2009 Fiat Grande Punto vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Fiat Grande Punto is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Fiat Grande Punto (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Grande Punto should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat Grande Punto weights approximately 315 kg more than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Grande Punto, 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, 2009 Fiat Grande Punto (230 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat Grande Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Grande Punto | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Grande Punto | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 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 | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2270 mm |
