2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1972 Fiat 130
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 130. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 130 would be higher. At 3,238 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Fiat 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 130. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 130. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Fiat 130 weights approximately 433 kg more than 2012 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, 1972 Fiat 130 (255 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Fiat 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1972 Fiat 130 has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Fiat 130 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1972 Fiat 130 | |
| Make | Mazda | Fiat |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 130 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 3238 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1139 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3995 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1245 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2329 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 80 L |
