1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2010 Fiat 500
To start off, 2010 Fiat 500 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 626 (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2010 Fiat 500. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 2010 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2010 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mazda 626 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 1978 Mazda 626. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Fiat 500, 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, 2010 Fiat 500 (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2010 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2010 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Mazda | Fiat |
| Model | 626 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2310 mm |
