1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1977 Toyota Century
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 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Toyota Century would be higher. At 3,374 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Toyota Century (157 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Toyota Century should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Toyota Century weights approximately 800 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 Toyota Century (270 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1977 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1977 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Century |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3374 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2870 mm |
