1968 Chevrolet Nova vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,025 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (165 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA should accelerate faster than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 308 kg more than 2013 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, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (318 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Nova | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Nova | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5025 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2330 mm |
