1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 34 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 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat 500 weights approximately 101 kg more than 1978 Mazda 626. 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, 2012 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, 1978 Mazda 626 (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Mazda | Fiat |
| Model | 626 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1096 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2301 mm |
