1980 Audi 80 vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Audi 80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Audi 80 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (110 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1980 Audi 80. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Audi 80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 58 kg more than 1980 Audi 80. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Audi 80, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Audi 80. (104 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Audi 80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Audi 80 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Audi | Mazda |
| Model | 80 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 23.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 144 km/hour | 191 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 50 L |
