1976 Chrysler Valiant vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Chrysler Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Chrysler Valiant would be higher. At 3,523 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Chrysler Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chrysler Valiant (139 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chrysler Valiant should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chrysler Valiant weights approximately 435 kg more than 1989 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, 1976 Chrysler Valiant (272 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1976 Chrysler Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Chrysler Valiant | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mazda |
| Model | Valiant | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3523 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2270 mm |
