1971 Chevrolet Vega 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 Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 145 kg more than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. 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, both vehicles can yield 167 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1971 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Vega | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Vega | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 50 L |
