2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1977 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1977 Toyota Carina. (124 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1977 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 725 kg more than 1977 Toyota Carina. 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, 1977 Toyota Carina (172 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1977 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1977 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Carina |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1837 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2510 mm |
