1968 Fiat 500 vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,598 cc, 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 618 kg more than 1968 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3, 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1598 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 55 L |
