2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1976 Mazda 1000
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 Mazda 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda 1000 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1976 Mazda 1000. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 619 kg more than 1976 Mazda 1000. 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 (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda 1000. (77 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1976 Mazda 1000 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 1000 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2270 mm |
