1961 Fiat 500 vs. 1985 Mazda 323
To start off, 1985 Mazda 323 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mazda 323 (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mazda 323 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1961 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 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 1961 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Mazda 323 (137 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1985 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1961 Fiat 500 | 1985 Mazda 323 | |
Make | Fiat | Mazda |
Model | 500 | 323 |
Year Released | 1961 | 1985 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 1597 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 22 HP | 103 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 36 Nm | 137 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 8.6:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 940 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2410 mm |