2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1982 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Toyota Starlet 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 (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1982 Toyota Starlet. (47 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1982 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 397 kg more than 1982 Toyota Starlet. 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 (225 Nm) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Toyota Starlet. (65 Nm). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1982 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 40 L |
