1969 Fiat 500 vs. 2006 Mazda 2
To start off, 2006 Mazda 2 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,388 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 2 (79 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 2 weights approximately 645 kg more than 1969 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 2, 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, 2006 Mazda 2 (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Fiat 500 | 2006 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | 2 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 45 L |
