2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1984 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP) has 45 more horse power than 1984 Toyota Carina. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1984 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Toyota Carina weights approximately 55 kg more than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Toyota Carina. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1984 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Carina |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2520 mm |
