1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1986 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,832 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1986 Toyota Carina. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1986 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Toyota Carina weights approximately 115 kg more than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1991 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 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Toyota Carina, 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, 1986 Toyota Carina (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1986 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1986 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Carina |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1832 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2520 mm |
