1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1980 Talbot Tagora
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Talbot Tagora. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Talbot Tagora would be higher. At 2,304 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Talbot Tagora is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1980 Talbot Tagora. (72 HP @ 4150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Talbot Tagora. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Talbot Tagora weights approximately 343 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, 1980 Talbot Tagora (180 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Talbot Tagora will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1980 Talbot Tagora | |
| Make | Mazda | Talbot |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Tagora |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2304 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
