1971 Fiat 850 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 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 850 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 113 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 850.
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 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 850 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 850 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2340 mm |
