1954 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1978 Mazda Cosmo is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,769 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda Cosmo (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1954 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1954 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 482 kg more than 1954 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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. 1978 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 1954 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1954 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mazda Cosmo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Fiat 500 | 1978 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 568 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3250 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1290 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 65 L |
