2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1972 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volkswagen 411. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volkswagen 411 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1972 Volkswagen 411. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Volkswagen 411. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 75 kg more than 1972 Volkswagen 411. 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, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Volkswagen 411. (135 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Volkswagen 411.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1972 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 411 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2510 mm |
