1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1974 Mazda 929
To start off, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 1,767 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1974 Mazda 929. (83 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1974 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mazda 929 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1974 Mazda 929 (134 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Mazda 929 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1974 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 929 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1767 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2520 mm |
