1956 Opel Kapitan vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Opel Kapitan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Opel Kapitan would be higher. At 2,473 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Opel Kapitan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1956 Opel Kapitan. (74 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1956 Opel Kapitan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Opel Kapitan weights approximately 76 kg more than 2011 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. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1956 Opel Kapitan has manual transmission. 1956 Opel Kapitan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Opel Kapitan | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Opel | Mazda |
| Model | Kapitan | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2473 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2329 mm |
