2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 2,759 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Soarer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Soarer weights approximately 113 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, 1981 Toyota Soarer (235 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Soarer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1981 Toyota Soarer 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. 1981 Toyota Soarer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Soarer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2759 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2670 mm |
