1979 Dodge Aspen vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,685 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1979 Dodge Aspen. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Aspen weights approximately 330 kg more than 2006 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, 1979 Dodge Aspen (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Aspen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Aspen | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Aspen | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3685 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 117.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2340 mm |
