1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1981 Fiat 131
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 131 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Fiat 131 (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1981 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1981 Fiat 131 | |
Make | Mazda | Fiat |
Model | MX-5 Miata | 131 |
Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 111 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 162 Nm | 167 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1105 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4270 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2500 mm |