1971 Fiat 124 vs. 2006 Mazda 6
To start off, 2006 Mazda 6 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 6 (119 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 124. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 6 weights approximately 433 kg more than 1971 Fiat 124. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 6, 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 6 (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 124. (89 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 124 | 2006 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 124 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 64 L |
