1999 Fiat Punto vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Fiat Punto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Fiat Punto would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1999 Fiat Punto. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1999 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 100 kg more than 1999 Fiat Punto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Fiat Punto, 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Fiat Punto. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Fiat Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Fiat Punto | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Punto | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 48 L |
