2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,999 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 @ 7000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corona. (68 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 125 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corona. 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 (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corona. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corona. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Corona has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Corona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Corona |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2530 mm |
