2004 Fiat Barchetta vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Fiat Barchetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Fiat Barchetta would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 80 kg more than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. (162 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Fiat Barchetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Fiat Barchetta | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Barchetta | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1755 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 50 L |
