1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (165 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo weights approximately 483 kg more than 2009 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, 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (387 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Monte Carlo | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1638 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2340 mm |
