1971 Fiat 500 vs. 2011 Mazda 2
To start off, 2011 Mazda 2 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 2 (95 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 2 weights approximately 590 kg more than 1971 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Fiat 500 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 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 2, 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, 2011 Mazda 2 (205 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 500 | 2011 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | 2 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1695 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1475 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2489 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 43 L |
