1968 Fiat 850 vs. 1985 Mazda 626
To start off, 1985 Mazda 626 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mazda 626 (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mazda 626 weights approximately 321 kg more than 1968 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Fiat 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Mazda 626 (157 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 850. (65 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 850 | 1985 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 850 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2520 mm |
