1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight would be higher. At 4,293 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (108 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight.
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 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight (279 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Mazda |
| Model | Eighty-Eight | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2329 mm |
