2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1974 Toyota Century
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 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Century would be higher. At 3,376 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Century. (157 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Toyota Century weights approximately 436 kg more than 2008 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, 1974 Toyota Century (271 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1974 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1974 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Century |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1765 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 |
