1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 128 kg more than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. 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, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata (155 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Mazda | Vauxhall |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1255 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 983 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 45 L |
