1961 Fiat 600 vs. 1978 Mazda RX-2
To start off, 1978 Mazda RX-2 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 600 would be higher. At 2,290 cc, 1978 Mazda RX-2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda RX-2 (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 600. (23 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-2 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda RX-2 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1961 Fiat 600. 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, 1978 Mazda RX-2 (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 600. (45 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda RX-2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 600 | 1978 Mazda RX-2 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 600 | RX-2 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 767 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2480 mm |
