2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster (163 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 691 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster (393 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster 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 | 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Mazda | Plymouth |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2700 mm |
