1979 Dodge Aspen vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 33 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1979 Dodge Aspen. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 346 kg more than 2012 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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Aspen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Aspen | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Aspen | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3685 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2329 mm |
