1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1971 Mazda RX-2
To start off, 1973 Fiat 500 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1971 Mazda RX-2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mazda RX-2 (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mazda RX-2 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mazda RX-2 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1973 Fiat 500. 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, 1971 Mazda RX-2 (158 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1971 Mazda RX-2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1971 Mazda RX-2 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | RX-2 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2480 mm |
