1968 Isuzu 117 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Isuzu 117. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Isuzu 117 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (164 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1968 Isuzu 117. (118 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1968 Isuzu 117.
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 Isuzu 117 (142 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1968 Isuzu 117 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Isuzu 117 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Isuzu | Mazda |
| Model | 117 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
