1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1981 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1981 Mazda Cosmo is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (102 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 613 kg more than 1962 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, 1981 Mazda Cosmo (167 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500. 1981 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 1962 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1962 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Mazda Cosmo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1981 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2620 mm |
