2003 Fiat Palio vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Fiat Palio is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Fiat Palio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Palio. (69 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Palio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Fiat Palio weights approximately 85 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Palio, 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, 2003 Fiat Palio (128 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Fiat Palio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Palio | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Palio | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 20.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2270 mm |
