1972 Holden Statesman vs. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 3,298 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Holden Statesman (133 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Holden Statesman weights approximately 355 kg more than 2002 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, 1972 Holden Statesman (263 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Holden Statesman | 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Holden | Mazda |
| Model | Statesman | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3298 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2270 mm |
