1961 Fiat 1100 vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 1100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 1100 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 1100. (43 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1961 Fiat 1100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 1100 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 1961 Fiat 1100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3, 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 1100. (73 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 1100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 1100 | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 1100 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1089 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 55 L |
