1969 Fiat 500 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (164 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 500.
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 (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Fiat 500 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2009 |
| 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 | 18 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 50 L |
