1962 Fiat 500 vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 41 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda Roadster weights approximately 545 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, 2003 Mazda Roadster (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500. 2003 Mazda Roadster 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. 2003 Mazda Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 2003 Mazda Roadster | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 48 L |
