1974 Holden Statesman vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Holden Statesman (238 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Holden Statesman weights approximately 343 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1974 Holden Statesman (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Holden Statesman | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Holden | Mazda |
| Model | Statesman | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5042 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2340 mm |
