2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1971 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1971 Toyota Corolla. (62 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1971 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 245 kg more than 1971 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, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Toyota Corolla. (95 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1971 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 46 L |
