2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1988 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,974 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Carina. (72 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Toyota Carina weights approximately 45 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1988 Toyota Carina, 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 (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1988 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Carina |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2540 mm |
