1971 Fiat 125 vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 125. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 125 would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Fiat 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Fiat 125 (90 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 125 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 5 kg more than 1971 Fiat 125.
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, 1971 Fiat 125 (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Fiat 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 125 | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 125 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2270 mm |
