1969 Opel Commodore vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,490 cc (6 cylinders), 1969 Opel Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1969 Opel Commodore. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1969 Opel Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Opel Commodore weights approximately 31 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Opel Commodore. (177 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Opel Commodore. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1969 Opel Commodore has manual transmission. 1969 Opel Commodore will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Opel Commodore | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Opel | Mazda |
| Model | Commodore | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2490 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 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 | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
