1988 Fiat 126 vs. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1988 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 317 kg more than 1988 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, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat 126 | 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 126 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 703 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2270 mm |
