2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1976 Avanti Avanti
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Avanti Avanti. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Avanti Avanti would be higher. At 6,570 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Avanti Avanti is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Avanti Avanti (177 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Avanti Avanti should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Avanti Avanti weights approximately 440 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, 1976 Avanti Avanti (442 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Avanti Avanti will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1976 Avanti Avanti 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. 1976 Avanti Avanti will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1976 Avanti Avanti | |
| Make | Mazda | Avanti |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Avanti |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 6570 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 442 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2780 mm |
