1984 Austin Montego vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Austin Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Austin Montego would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Austin Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1984 Austin Montego. (115 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1984 Austin Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 106 kg more than 1984 Austin Montego. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Austin Montego, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1984 Austin Montego (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1984 Austin Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Austin Montego | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | Montego | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1044 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2340 mm |
