1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 806 kg more than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Mazda |
| Model | Vista Cruiser | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2329 mm |
