1981 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 6,030 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Cadillac Eldorado. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Cadillac Eldorado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 454 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Cadillac Eldorado, 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, 1981 Cadillac Eldorado (358 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Cadillac Eldorado | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mazda |
| Model | Eldorado | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6030 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 358 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2329 mm |
