2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 5,562 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Plymouth Valiant should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Plymouth Valiant weights approximately 319 kg more than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (401 Nm) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (245 Nm). This means 1972 Plymouth Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
| Make | Mazda | Plymouth |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Valiant |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 5562 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 102.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2750 mm |
