2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Seat 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 Seat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Seat 131 would be higher. At 2,445 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Seat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1979 Seat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Seat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Seat 131 weights approximately 50 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 (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Seat 131. (149 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 Seat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1979 Seat 131 | |
| Make | Mazda | Seat |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 131 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2445 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2500 mm |
