1964 Fiat 500 vs. 1988 Mazda 626
To start off, 1988 Mazda 626 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 1,789 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mazda 626 (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mazda 626 weights approximately 637 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 626, 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 626 (134 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Mazda 626 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 626 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 1122 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2580 mm |
