1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Fiat Croma
To start off, 2005 Fiat Croma is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,909 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Fiat Croma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Fiat Croma (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Fiat Croma should accelerate faster than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Fiat Croma weights approximately 615 kg more than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 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 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Fiat Croma (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (152 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Fiat Croma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2005 Fiat Croma has automatic transmission and 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Fiat Croma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2005 Fiat Croma | |
| Make | Mazda | Fiat |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Croma |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1909 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 62 L |
