2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1976 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Toyota Corona 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 56 more horse power than 1976 Toyota Corona. (84 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1976 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 140 kg more than 1976 Toyota Corona. 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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Toyota Corona. (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Toyota Corona. 1976 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1976 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Corona |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |
