1972 Holden Torana vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Holden Torana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Holden Torana would be higher. At 1,837 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1972 Holden Torana. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Holden Torana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 930 kg more than 1972 Holden Torana. 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Holden Torana. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Holden Torana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Holden Torana | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Holden | Mazda |
| Model | Torana | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1256 cc | 1837 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2650 mm |
