1975 Fiat 124 vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,835 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1975 Fiat 124. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1975 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 200 kg more than 1975 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (170 Nm) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Fiat 124. (87 Nm). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Fiat 124 | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 124 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 48 L |
