2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 515 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
Make | Mazda | Oldsmobile |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Cutlass |
Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5735 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 149 HP | 160 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 188 Nm | 380 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 103.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 85.9 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1610 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5280 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1960 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2960 mm |