1985 Fiat Regata vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Fiat Regata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Fiat Regata would be higher. At 1,568 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Fiat Regata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1985 Fiat Regata. (100 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Fiat Regata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 25 kg more than 1985 Fiat Regata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Fiat Regata, 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, 1985 Fiat Regata (136 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Fiat Regata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Fiat Regata | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Regata | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2270 mm |
