2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1980 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,998 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 @ 6500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1980 Toyota Carina. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 99 kg more than 1980 Toyota Carina. 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 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Toyota Carina. (115 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Toyota Carina. 1980 Toyota Carina has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Toyota Carina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1980 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Carina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
