2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 798 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (380 Nm) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (225 Nm). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | Mazda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3080 mm |
