2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131. 1979 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
Make | Mazda | Fiat |
Model | MX-5 Miata | 131 |
Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2443 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 124 HP | 71 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 167 Nm | 152 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 93 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 22.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1210 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4270 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2500 mm |