1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1977 Holden Statesman
To start off, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Holden Statesman (214 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Holden Statesman weights approximately 580 kg more than 1996 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, 1977 Holden Statesman (400 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1977 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1977 Holden Statesman has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Holden Statesman will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1977 Holden Statesman | |
| Make | Mazda | Holden |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Statesman |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 5042 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 214 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2900 mm |
