1959 Abarth 850 vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 52 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 555 kg more than 1959 Abarth 850. 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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | 850 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 48 L |
