Fiat 500 vs Mazda Mazda3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Fiat 500 starts from $28,900 before on-road costs, while the Mazda Mazda3 opens at $26,490. That makes the Mazda Mazda3 the more affordable entry point by $2,410.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $31,790 and $29,139 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda Mazda3 by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Mazda Mazda3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Fiat 500. Adult occupant protection scored 78% for the Fiat 500 and 98% for the Mazda Mazda3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mazda Mazda3 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Fiat 500.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Fiat 500 and 6 in the Mazda Mazda3.
Feature Showdown
The Fiat 500 features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda Mazda3 gets a 8.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Fiat 500 uses a MultiAir Petrol producing 51kW and 102Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed dualogic automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.9 seconds.
The Mazda Mazda3 responds with a Petrol making 114kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds.
The Mazda Mazda3 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 51kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda Mazda3 is 3.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Fiat 500 measures 3,571mm long on a 2,300mm wheelbase, 889mm shorter than the Mazda Mazda3 at 4,460mm (2,726mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 185L in the Fiat 500 and 295L in the Mazda Mazda3, giving the Mazda Mazda3 a 110L advantage. The Mazda Mazda3 seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m to 10.6m
Based on 9.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,368/year for the Fiat 500 and $1,083/year for the Mazda Mazda3. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Estimated annual total: $1,368 (Fiat 500) vs $1,083 (Mazda Mazda3). The Mazda Mazda3 saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 150,000km (Fiat 500) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3). The Mazda Mazda3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Fiat 500 if: You or prefer Fiat's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda Mazda3 takes 8 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda Mazda3 will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda Mazda3 has a clear edge. The Mazda Mazda3 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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