1964 Fiat 500 vs. 1988 Mazda 323
To start off, 1988 Mazda 323 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,323 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mazda 323 (66 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mazda 323 weights approximately 324 kg more than 1964 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 Fiat 500 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 1964 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Mazda 323 (101 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Fiat 500 | 1988 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1323 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 546 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2410 mm |
