1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Mazda 2
To start off, 2008 Mazda 2 is newer by 35 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 2 (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 2 weights approximately 645 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, 2008 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, 2008 Mazda 2 (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 2008 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | 2 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 45 L |
