1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 629 kg more than 1973 Fiat 500. 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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1973 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1973 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 48 L |
