1968 AMC AMX vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 AMC AMX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 AMC AMX would be higher. At 6,386 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 AMC AMX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 AMC AMX (315 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 AMC AMX should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 AMC AMX weights approximately 412 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.
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, 1968 AMC AMX (576 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 447 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 AMC AMX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1968 AMC AMX has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 AMC AMX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 AMC AMX | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | AMC | Mazda |
| Model | AMX | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6386 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 576 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.8 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1377 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2270 mm |
