1982 Porsche 944 vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1982 Porsche 944. (163 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1982 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Porsche 944 weights approximately 35 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, 1982 Porsche 944 (205 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1982 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Porsche 944 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Porsche | Mazda |
| Model | 944 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2479 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 48 L |
