1971 Holden Monaro vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Holden Monaro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Holden Monaro would be higher. At 5,040 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Holden Monaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Holden Monaro (238 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (108 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Holden Monaro should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Holden Monaro weights approximately 270 kg more than 2004 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 Holden Monaro (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (135 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1971 Holden Monaro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Holden Monaro | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Holden | Mazda |
| Model | Monaro | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5040 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2680 mm |
