1956 GAZ M-20 vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 GAZ M-20. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 GAZ M-20 would be higher. At 2,120 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 GAZ M-20 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (108 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1956 GAZ M-20. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1956 GAZ M-20. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 GAZ M-20 weights approximately 350 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (135 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 GAZ M-20. (125 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 GAZ M-20.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 GAZ M-20 | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | GAZ | Mazda |
| Model | M-20 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2004 |
| Engine Size | 2120 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
