1979 Innocenti Mini vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Innocenti Mini. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Innocenti Mini would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1979 Innocenti Mini. (48 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Innocenti Mini. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 460 kg more than 1979 Innocenti Mini. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Innocenti Mini, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Innocenti Mini. (69 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Innocenti Mini.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Innocenti Mini | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Innocenti | Mazda |
| Model | Mini | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3170 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2050 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 48 L |
