2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1974 Vauxhall Firenza
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Vauxhall Firenza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Vauxhall Firenza would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1974 Vauxhall Firenza. (77 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1974 Vauxhall Firenza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 215 kg more than 1974 Vauxhall Firenza. 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Vauxhall Firenza. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Vauxhall Firenza.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1974 Vauxhall Firenza | |
| Make | Mazda | Vauxhall |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Firenza |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1759 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2470 mm |
