2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1975 Mazda 818
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1975 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1975 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 275 kg more than 1975 Mazda 818. 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 (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1975 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 818 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2320 mm |
