1977 Porsche 912 vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Porsche 912. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Porsche 912 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1977 Porsche 912. (87 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1977 Porsche 912. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Porsche 912 weights approximately 15 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. Let's talk about torque, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Porsche 912. (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Porsche 912.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Porsche 912 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Porsche | Mazda |
| Model | 912 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2329 mm |
