1974 Chevrolet Nova vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 314 kg more than 2011 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, 1974 Chevrolet Nova (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Nova | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Nova | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2329 mm |
