1978 Fiat 126 vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 440 kg more than 1978 Fiat 126. 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, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Fiat 126 | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Fiat | Mazda |
Model | 126 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 651 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 24 HP | 112 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 42 Nm | 124 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2270 mm |