1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1974 Seat 1430
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Seat 1430. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Seat 1430 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1974 Seat 1430. (70 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1974 Seat 1430. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 95 kg more than 1974 Seat 1430. 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, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Seat 1430. (112 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Seat 1430.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1974 Seat 1430 | |
| Make | Mazda | Seat |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 1430 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 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 | 1025 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2430 mm |
