1974 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 579 kg more than 1974 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Fiat 500 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Fiat | Mazda |
Model | 500 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 18 HP | 149 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 27 Nm | 188 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 87.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 83.1 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1095 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1250 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2340 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 50 L |