1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Volkswagen Beetle
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 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Beetle 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 86 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 163 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 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 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata (155 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 983 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
