1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP) has 114 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 160 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1978 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1978 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Fiat 131 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Fiat | Mazda |
Model | 131 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 53 HP | 167 HP |
Torque | 95 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1125 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2329 mm |