1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 39 kg more than 1995 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 Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1974 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Vega | 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Vega | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2285 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2270 mm |
