1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 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 31 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (107 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Celica weights approximately 85 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 (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (147 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica. 1981 Toyota Celica 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. 1981 Toyota Celica will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
Make | Mazda | Toyota |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Celica |
Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 107 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 162 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 77 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1110 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4460 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1670 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |