1959 Fiat 1100 vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1100 would be higher. At 1,837 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1100. (43 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 915 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1100. 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1100. (73 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1100 | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 1100 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1089 cc | 1837 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 50 L |
