1972 Austin Marina vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Austin Marina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Austin Marina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (153 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1972 Austin Marina. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Austin Marina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 175 kg more than 1972 Austin Marina. 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Austin Marina. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Austin Marina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Austin Marina | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | Marina | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1273 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2340 mm |
