1961 Fiat 850 vs. 1990 Mazda 323
To start off, 1990 Mazda 323 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,720 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mazda 323 (56 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mazda 323 weights approximately 367 kg more than 1961 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 850 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 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Mazda 323 (114 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 850 | 1990 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 850 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 613 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3290 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2460 mm |
