1970 Fiat 500 vs. 2004 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 882 kg more than 1970 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 2004 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 61 L |
