1979 Daihatsu Delta vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Daihatsu Delta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Daihatsu Delta would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1979 Daihatsu Delta. (91 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Daihatsu Delta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 107 kg more than 1979 Daihatsu Delta. 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Daihatsu Delta. (147 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Daihatsu Delta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Daihatsu Delta | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mazda |
| Model | Delta | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1769 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2200 mm | 2340 mm |
