1979 Mazda Montrose vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (75 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda Montrose. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 71 kg more than 1979 Mazda Montrose. 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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (119 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda Montrose. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1979 Mazda Montrose has manual transmission. 1979 Mazda Montrose will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda Montrose | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | Montrose | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
