1968 Dodge Polara vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Dodge Polara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Dodge Polara would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Dodge Polara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Dodge Polara (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Dodge Polara should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Dodge Polara weights approximately 425 kg more than 2001 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 Dodge Polara (461 Nm) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (245 Nm). This means 1968 Dodge Polara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1968 Dodge Polara has automatic transmission and 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Dodge Polara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Dodge Polara | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Polara | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5410 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2270 mm |
