1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1992 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1992 Toyota Carina. (72 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1992 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Toyota Carina weights approximately 195 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Toyota Carina, 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, 1992 Toyota Carina (132 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1992 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1992 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Carina |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2590 mm |
