2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Plymouth Volare
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Plymouth Volare. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Plymouth Volare would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Plymouth Volare is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1979 Plymouth Volare. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Plymouth Volare. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Plymouth Volare weights approximately 156 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, 1979 Plymouth Volare (232 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Plymouth Volare 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 | 1979 Plymouth Volare | |
| Make | Mazda | Plymouth |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Volare |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2870 mm |
