1961 Fiat 500 vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 44 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 1,308 cc, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 816 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.
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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1961 Fiat 500 | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
Make | Fiat | Mazda |
Model | 500 | RX-8 |
Year Released | 1961 | 2005 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 1308 cc |
Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 22 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 36 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1356 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2710 mm |