1976 Mazda 929 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (160 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1976 Mazda 929. (83 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda 929.
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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda 929. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mazda 929 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 929 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1769 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 50 L |
