1969 Fiat 124 vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP) has 57 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 124. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 40 kg more than 1969 Fiat 124. 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, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 124. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Fiat 124 | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 124 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 116 HP |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2270 mm |
