1981 Dodge Mirada vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1981 Dodge Mirada. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Dodge Mirada.
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, 1981 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Dodge Mirada | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Mirada | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.4 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2340 mm |
