2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1988 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Carina. (97 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Toyota Carina weights approximately 25 kg more than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Toyota Carina, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (245 Nm) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Carina. (133 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1988 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Carina |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2530 mm |
