1986 Fiat Croma vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Fiat Croma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Fiat Croma would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1986 Fiat Croma. (154 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1986 Fiat Croma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Fiat Croma weights approximately 55 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Fiat Croma, 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, 1986 Fiat Croma (235 Nm @ 2350 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1986 Fiat Croma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1986 Fiat Croma has manual transmission. 1986 Fiat Croma will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Fiat Croma | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Croma | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2350 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2329 mm |
