1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1980 Chrysler Avenger
To start off, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chrysler Avenger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chrysler Avenger would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1980 Chrysler Avenger. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Chrysler Avenger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 85 kg more than 1980 Chrysler Avenger. 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, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Chrysler Avenger. (93 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Chrysler Avenger. 1980 Chrysler Avenger 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. 1980 Chrysler Avenger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1980 Chrysler Avenger | |
| Make | Mazda | Chrysler |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Avenger |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2500 mm |
