1960 Fiat 500 vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1981 Mazda Cosmo is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,210 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (66 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 640 kg more than 1960 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. Let's talk about torque, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (142 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 500. (30 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fiat 500 | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 500 cc | 2210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1960 mm | 2620 mm |
