2011 Fiat 500 vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Fiat 500 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2011 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2011 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 60 kg more than 2011 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Fiat 500. (132 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Fiat 500 | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 50 L |
