1985 Mazda 323 vs. 2008 Fiat 500
To start off, 2008 Fiat 500 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mazda 323 (75 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2008 Fiat 500. (73 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Fiat 500 weights approximately 48 kg more than 1985 Mazda 323.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2008 Fiat 500 (131 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mazda 323. (117 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mazda 323. 2008 Fiat 500 has automatic transmission and 1985 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1985 Mazda 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mazda 323 | 2008 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Mazda | Fiat |
| Model | 323 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 154 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 35 L |
