1981 Fiat Strada vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat Strada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat Strada would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Strada. (125 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Strada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 175 kg more than 1981 Fiat Strada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Strada, 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Strada. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Strada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Strada | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Strada | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
