2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1966 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,835 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (155 HP) has 102 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 696 kg more than 1966 Volkswagen 1600. 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (171 Nm) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1966 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 1600 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2480 mm |
