1970 Fiat 500 vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 36 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 1,308 cc, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500.
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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500. 2006 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1970 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1970 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
