1988 Mazda 626 vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,789 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1988 Mazda 626. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1988 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mazda 626 weights approximately 50 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500.
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, 1988 Mazda 626 (134 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mazda 626 | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Mazda | Fiat |
| Model | 626 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1789 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 1072 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2301 mm |
