1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1977 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Toyota Celica 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 52 more horse power than 1977 Toyota Celica. (86 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1977 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 77 kg more than 1977 Toyota Celica. 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Toyota Celica. (142 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1977 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Celica |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 948 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
