1961 Fiat 1300 vs. 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
To start off, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 1300 would be higher. At 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 (263 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 1300. (71 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 weights approximately 528 kg more than 1961 Fiat 1300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 1300 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 1300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3, 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, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 (379 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 1300. (106 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 1300 | 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 1300 | MazdaSpeed3 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1481 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4511 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
