1974 Fiat 500 vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,307 cc, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 909 kg more than 1974 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 61 L |
