2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corolla 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 (164 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
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 (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (116 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
