2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1983 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1983 Toyota Celica. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1983 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Toyota Celica weights approximately 85 kg more than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1983 Toyota Celica (147 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1983 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 | 1983 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Celica |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |
