2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1977 Opel Monza
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Opel Monza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Opel Monza would be higher. At 2,490 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Opel Monza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Opel Monza (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Opel Monza should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 235 kg more than 1977 Opel Monza.
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, 1977 Opel Monza (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1977 Opel Monza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1977 Opel Monza has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Opel Monza will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1977 Opel Monza | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Monza |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 43 L |
