1959 Abarth 850 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 850 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (160 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850.
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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | 850 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 50 L |
