1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1977 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 216 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen 1302. 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, 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen 1302. (85 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1977 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
