2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Toyota Crown
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 Crown. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Crown would be higher. At 2,186 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Toyota Crown is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Crown. (67 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Crown. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Toyota Crown weights approximately 205 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Crown. (142 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Crown. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1979 Toyota Crown has manual transmission. 1979 Toyota Crown 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 | 1979 Toyota Crown | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Crown |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2700 mm |
