1964 Fiat 850 vs. 1990 Mazda 323
To start off, 1990 Mazda 323 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,720 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mazda 323 (56 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 850. (33 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mazda 323 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1964 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 Fiat 850 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 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Mazda 323 (114 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 850. (55 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1990 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Fiat 850 | 1990 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 850 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 767 cc | 1720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 33 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 55 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 670 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2460 mm |
