1956 Abarth 600 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1956 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1956 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 565 kg more than 1956 Abarth 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Abarth 600 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | 600 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 746 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 50 L |
