1974 Fiat 126 vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1989 Mazda 323 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,324 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda 323 (74 HP) has 51 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 126. (23 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda 323 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1974 Fiat 126. 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, 1989 Mazda 323 (104 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 126 | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 126 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 593 cc | 1324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 50 L |
