1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,444 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1978 Fiat 131 (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 131 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2270 mm |
