2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1985 Toyota Century
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Toyota Century would be higher. At 3,995 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1985 Toyota Century. (153 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Toyota Century weights approximately 468 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, 1985 Toyota Century (290 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1985 Toyota Century 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. 1985 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1985 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Century |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1800 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 |
