1998 Fiat Barchetta vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Fiat Barchetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Fiat Barchetta 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 29 more horse power than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 95 kg more than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. 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, 1998 Fiat Barchetta, 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Fiat Barchetta. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1998 Fiat Barchetta has manual transmission. 1998 Fiat Barchetta 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:
| 1998 Fiat Barchetta | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Barchetta | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2340 mm |
