1970 Opel Manta vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Opel Manta would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1970 Opel Manta. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1970 Opel Manta.
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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Opel Manta. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Opel Manta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Opel Manta | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Opel | Mazda |
| Model | Manta | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2329 mm |
