2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (160 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Plymouth Valiant.
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, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Plymouth Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
| Make | Mazda | Plymouth |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Valiant |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
