2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1959 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1959 Toyota Corona. (29 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 138 kg more than 1959 Toyota Corona. 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Toyota Corona. (64 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1959 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Corona |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 75 L |
