2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1985 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1985 Toyota Corolla. (63 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 130 kg more than 1985 Toyota Corolla. 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, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Toyota Corolla. (98 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1985 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
