1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 990 kg more than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser has automatic transmission and 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | Mazda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3080 mm |
