2008 Fiat Panda vs. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Fiat Panda is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2008 Fiat Panda. (54 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 125 kg more than 2008 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat Panda | 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Panda | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1106 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2270 mm |
