1976 Chrysler Valiant vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 33 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 5,209 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Chrysler Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chrysler Valiant (227 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chrysler Valiant should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chrysler Valiant weights approximately 475 kg more than 2009 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 (470 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Chrysler Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Chrysler Valiant | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mazda |
| Model | Valiant | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5209 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 470 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2340 mm |
