2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster
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 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 108 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 505 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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 Plymouth Trail Duster (238 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (135 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster 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 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Mazda | Plymouth |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2700 mm |
