1961 Fiat 1500 vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 1500 would be higher. At 1,835 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 1500. (57 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 766 kg more than 1961 Fiat 1500. 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (171 Nm) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 1500. (83 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 1500 | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 1500 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1221 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 1671 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2270 mm |
