1970 Fiat 850 vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2010 Mazda 3 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 3 weights approximately 628 kg more than 1970 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Fiat 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 850. (66 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 850 | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 850 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 1363 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2639 mm |
