2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1973 Mazda 1000
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mazda 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mazda 1000 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1973 Mazda 1000. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1973 Mazda 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 436 kg more than 1973 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mazda 1000. (77 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mazda 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1973 Mazda 1000 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 1000 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2270 mm |
