1961 Abarth 700 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 700 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 700. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 525 kg more than 1961 Abarth 700. 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 700. (61 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 700 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | 700 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 745 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3600 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 50 L |
