2009 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Fiat 500 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2009 Fiat 500. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat 500 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Fiat 500, 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, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat 500. (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat 500 | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 50 L |
