1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1989 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Toyota Corolla 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 15 more horse power than 1989 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1989 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 40 kg more than 1989 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Toyota Corolla, 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, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Toyota Corolla. (103 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1989 Toyota Corolla | |
Make | Mazda | Toyota |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Corolla |
Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1295 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 129 Nm | 103 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 71 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 925 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2440 mm |