2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
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 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
