2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 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 44 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 140 kg more than 1979 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 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (105 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla. 1979 Toyota Corolla 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. 1979 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
Make | Mazda | Toyota |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Corolla |
Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
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 | 68 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 105 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 885 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4110 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |