1982 Maserati 420 vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Maserati 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Maserati 420 would be higher. At 2,490 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Maserati 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Maserati 420 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Maserati 420 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Maserati 420 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1982 Maserati 420 (308 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1982 Maserati 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Maserati 420 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Maserati | Mazda |
| Model | 420 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2490 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2300 mm |
