1980 Avanti Avanti vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Avanti Avanti. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Avanti Avanti would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Avanti Avanti is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1980 Avanti Avanti. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Avanti Avanti. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Avanti Avanti weights approximately 401 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, 1980 Avanti Avanti (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Avanti Avanti will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1980 Avanti Avanti has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Avanti Avanti will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Avanti Avanti | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Avanti | Mazda |
| Model | Avanti | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2329 mm |
