1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 124 (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 109 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124.
Because 1972 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 1972 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323, 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 124. (153 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 124. 1998 Mazda 323 has automatic transmission and 1972 Fiat 124 has manual transmission. 1972 Fiat 124 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 124 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1756 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2620 mm |
