1964 Fiat 500 vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (165 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA weights approximately 636 kg more than 1964 Fiat 500. 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, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Fiat 500 | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 546 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 48 L |
