1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1968 Volkswagen 1303
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volkswagen 1303. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volkswagen 1303 would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 275 kg more than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. 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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen 1303.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1968 Volkswagen 1303 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 1303 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1191 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
