1957 Maserati 3500 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Maserati 3500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Maserati 3500 would be higher. At 3,485 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Maserati 3500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Maserati 3500 (223 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Maserati 3500 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Maserati 3500 weights approximately 161 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1957 Maserati 3500 has manual transmission. 1957 Maserati 3500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Maserati 3500 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Maserati | Mazda |
| Model | 3500 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3485 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2329 mm |
