2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (157 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat 500 weights approximately 68 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Because 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 2003 Mazda Roadster. 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, 2003 Mazda Roadster (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500. 2012 Fiat 500 has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Mazda | Fiat |
| Model | Roadster | 500 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2301 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 40 L |
