2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Toyota Carina
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 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,835 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Carina. (79 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 192 kg more than 1979 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (220 Nm) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1979 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Carina |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 61 L |
