2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1980 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 2,366 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Toyota Corona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1980 Toyota Corona. (96 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 519 kg more than 1980 Toyota Corona. 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, 1980 Toyota Corona (175 Nm) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (171 Nm). This means 1980 Toyota Corona 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 | 1980 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Corona |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2366 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2530 mm |
