1986 Holden Commodore vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 3,298 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Holden Commodore (116 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Holden Commodore weights approximately 255 kg more than 1996 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, 1986 Holden Commodore (232 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Holden Commodore | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Holden | Mazda |
| Model | Commodore | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3298 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2270 mm |
