1990 Fiat Tempra vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Fiat Tempra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Fiat Tempra would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1990 Fiat Tempra. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 Fiat Tempra.
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, 1990 Fiat Tempra, 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Fiat Tempra. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Fiat Tempra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Fiat Tempra | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Tempra | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1756 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2329 mm |
