1970 Fiat 124 vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 124. (95 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1970 Fiat 124. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Fiat 124 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 1970 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 124. (126 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 124 | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 124 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2650 mm |
