2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Corona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corona. (96 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Toyota Corona weights approximately 110 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corona. (163 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corona. 1978 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. 1978 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Corona |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2530 mm |
