1976 Chrysler 1609 vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Chrysler 1609. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Chrysler 1609 would be higher. At 1,980 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1976 Chrysler 1609. (108 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1976 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1998 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, 1976 Chrysler 1609 (159 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Chrysler 1609 | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mazda |
| Model | 1609 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1980 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 159 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 50 L |
