2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1987 Toyota Century
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Toyota Century would be higher. At 3,995 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1987 Toyota Century. (153 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1987 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Toyota Century weights approximately 651 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1987 Toyota Century (289 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1987 Toyota Century has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1987 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Century |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 289 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2870 mm |
