1980 Toyota Corona 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 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1980 Toyota Corona. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Toyota Corona.
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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Toyota Corona. (145 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Toyota Corona | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Corona | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 48 L |
