2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1970 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 411. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 411 would be higher. At 1,835 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 411. (80 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 411. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 53 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 411. 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (170 Nm) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 411. (131 Nm). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 411.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1970 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 411 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2500 mm |
