1978 Chevrolet Nova vs. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 410 kg more than 2000 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, 1978 Chevrolet Nova (258 Nm) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (161 Nm). This means 1978 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Nova | 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Nova | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2270 mm |
