2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 2,759 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 485 kg more than 1981 Toyota Celica. 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, 1981 Toyota Celica (197 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Celica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1981 Toyota Celica has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Celica will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
Make | Mazda | Toyota |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Celica |
Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1837 cc | 2759 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 139 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 168 Nm | 197 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4630 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2620 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |