2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1972 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 384 kg more than 1972 Volkswagen 1302. 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 (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1972 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 1302 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
