1971 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 Ford Probe
To start off, 1998 Ford Probe is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Probe (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Probe weights approximately 720 kg more than 1971 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Fiat 500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Probe, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 Ford Probe (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 500 | 1998 Ford Probe | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Probe |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
