1971 Fiat 127 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 127. (48 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 320 kg more than 1971 Fiat 127. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 127, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 127. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 127 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 127 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 57.8 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 50 L |
