1959 Abarth 500 vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda 323 (161 HP) has 141 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda 323 weights approximately 730 kg more than 1959 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 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 1959 Abarth 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323, 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, 1989 Mazda 323 (216 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 500 | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 161 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2460 mm |
