1972 Fiat 500 vs. 1960 Mazda R 360
To start off, 1972 Fiat 500 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Mazda R 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Mazda R 360 would be higher. At 499 cc (2 cylinders), 1972 Fiat 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 500 (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1960 Mazda R 360. (16 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1960 Mazda R 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Fiat 500 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1960 Mazda R 360. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1972 Fiat 500 (28 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Mazda R 360. (22 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Mazda R 360.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 500 | 1960 Mazda R 360 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | R 360 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 355 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 16 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 22 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 60 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 63 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 2990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 55 L |
