1971 Abarth 595 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Abarth 595. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Abarth 595 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1971 Abarth 595. (27 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1971 Abarth 595. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 659 kg more than 1971 Abarth 595. 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Abarth 595. (45 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Abarth 595.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Abarth 595 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | 595 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 50 L |
