1972 Mazda RX-2 vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1972 Mazda RX-2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1972 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 242 kg more than 1972 Mazda RX-2. 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, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mazda RX-2. (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mazda RX-2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mazda RX-2 | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-2 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2340 mm |
