1988 Seat Marbella vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Seat Marbella. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Seat Marbella would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1988 Seat Marbella. (35 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1988 Seat Marbella. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 475 kg more than 1988 Seat Marbella. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Seat Marbella, 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Seat Marbella. (56 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Seat Marbella. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1988 Seat Marbella has manual transmission. 1988 Seat Marbella will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Seat Marbella | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Seat | Mazda |
| Model | Marbella | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 56 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2340 mm |
