1961 Fiat 600 vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 600 would be higher. At 1,308 cc, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 600. (23 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 595 kg more than 1961 Fiat 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 600. (45 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 600 | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 600 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 767 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 61 L |
