1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1974 Toyota Corona
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Toyota Corona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Corona. (96 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Toyota Corona weights approximately 80 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (241 Nm) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Corona. (162 Nm). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Corona. 1974 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1974 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Corona |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |
