1972 Fiat 124 vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 124. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 214 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124. 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, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 124. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 124 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 48 L |
