1980 Fiat 126 vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 440 kg more than 1980 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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Fiat 126 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 126 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 85 mm |
| 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 | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2270 mm |
