1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1965 Pontiac Catalina
To start off, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Pontiac Catalina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Pontiac Catalina would be higher. At 6,891 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Pontiac Catalina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (376 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Pontiac Catalina should accelerate faster than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Pontiac Catalina weights approximately 902 kg more than 1993 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, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (625 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 470 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1965 Pontiac Catalina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1965 Pontiac Catalina has automatic transmission and 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Pontiac Catalina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1965 Pontiac Catalina | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Catalina |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 6891 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 625 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 103.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 983 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3080 mm |
