1961 Abarth 1600 vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 1600 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (110 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 1600. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 78 kg more than 1961 Abarth 1600. 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, 1961 Abarth 1600 (138 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1961 Abarth 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 1600 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | 1600 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 50 L |
