1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP) has 105 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 130 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131. 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 131 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 158 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2340 mm |
