1978 Fiat 127 vs. 1960 Mazda R 360
To start off, 1978 Fiat 127 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Mazda R 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Mazda R 360 would be higher. At 903 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 127 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 127 (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1960 Mazda R 360. (16 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 127 should accelerate faster than 1960 Mazda R 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 127 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1960 Mazda R 360. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Mazda R 360 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 1960 Mazda R 360. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 127, 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, 1978 Fiat 127 (64 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Mazda R 360. (22 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 127 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Mazda R 360.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 127 | 1960 Mazda R 360 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 127 | R 360 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1960 |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 355 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 16 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 22 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 60 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.7 mm | 63 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 2990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 1770 mm |
