2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1984 Mitsubishi Colt
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Mitsubishi Colt. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Mitsubishi Colt 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 70 more horse power than 1984 Mitsubishi Colt. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1984 Mitsubishi Colt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 245 kg more than 1984 Mitsubishi Colt. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Mitsubishi Colt, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Mitsubishi Colt. (102 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Mitsubishi Colt. 1984 Mitsubishi Colt 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. 1984 Mitsubishi Colt will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1984 Mitsubishi Colt | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Colt |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2390 mm |
