2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1989 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1989 Toyota Carina. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1989 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 100 kg more than 1989 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Toyota Carina, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Toyota Carina. (139 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1989 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Carina |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 139 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
