2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 475 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster (237 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster 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 | 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Mazda | Plymouth |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2700 mm |
