1961 Abarth 600 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 560 kg more than 1961 Abarth 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 (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | 600 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
