1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Talbot Horizon
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Talbot Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Talbot Horizon would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (110 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1978 Talbot Horizon. (57 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Talbot Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 93 kg more than 1978 Talbot Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Talbot Horizon, 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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Talbot Horizon. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Talbot Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Talbot Horizon | |
| Make | Mazda | Talbot |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1118 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1038 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 47 L |
