2009 Fiat 500 vs. 1996 Ford Escort
To start off, 2009 Fiat 500 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,391 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 125 kg more than 2009 Fiat 500.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Fiat 500 (132 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (115 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat 500 | 1996 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Escort |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1450 mm |
