1996 Fiat Marea vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat Marea. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat Marea would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP) has 32 more horse power than 1996 Fiat Marea. (80 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat Marea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Fiat Marea weights approximately 60 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Fiat Marea, 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, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Fiat Marea. (113 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Fiat Marea.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat Marea | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Marea | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 112 HP |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
