1960 Abarth 600 vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,323 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (74 HP) has 34 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 600. (40 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 562 kg more than 1960 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Abarth 600 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 1960 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 600 | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | 600 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 1323 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
