1985 Fiat 126 vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1985 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 551 kg more than 1985 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, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Fiat 126. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1985 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1985 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Fiat 126 | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 126 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 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 | 588 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2329 mm |
