1963 Fiat 1300 vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Fiat 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Fiat 1300 would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda 323 (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1963 Fiat 1300. (64 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1963 Fiat 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda 323 weights approximately 86 kg more than 1963 Fiat 1300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Fiat 1300 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 1963 Fiat 1300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Mazda 323 (164 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Fiat 1300. (93 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Fiat 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Fiat 1300 | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 1300 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 50 L |
