2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 1,967 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Toyota Celica (118 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Celica weights approximately 75 kg more than 2002 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, 1978 Toyota Celica (152 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Toyota Celica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Celica |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
