1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Zastava 1500
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Zastava 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Zastava 1500 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1979 Zastava 1500. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Zastava 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Zastava 1500 weights approximately 15 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 (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Zastava 1500. (113 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Zastava 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1979 Zastava 1500 | |
| Make | Mazda | Zastava |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 1500 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2430 mm |
