2005 Fiat Panda vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Fiat Panda is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2005 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2005 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 110 kg more than 2005 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Fiat Panda, 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, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Fiat Panda | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Panda | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2270 mm |
