1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2004 Mazda 6
To start off, 2004 Mazda 6 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 6 (138 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 6 weights approximately 1030 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.
Because 1973 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 1973 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Mazda 6 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 2004 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86 mm |
| 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 | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 64 L |
