2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 588 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado (325 Nm) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado 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 | 1979 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Mazda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Toronado |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2910 mm |
