1959 Fiat 600 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 600 would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 600. (20 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 390 kg more than 1959 Fiat 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 600. (40 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 600 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 600 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 633 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 50 L |
