1988 Fiat Tipo vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Fiat Tipo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Fiat Tipo would be higher. At 1,927 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Fiat Tipo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1988 Fiat Tipo. (91 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat Tipo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Fiat Tipo weights approximately 140 kg more than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Fiat Tipo, 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, 1988 Fiat Tipo (190 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1988 Fiat Tipo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat Tipo | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Tipo | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1927 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2270 mm |
