1987 Cadillac DeVille vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Cadillac DeVille. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Cadillac DeVille would be higher. At 4,087 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Cadillac DeVille is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1987 Cadillac DeVille. (129 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1987 Cadillac DeVille. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Cadillac DeVille weights approximately 403 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Cadillac DeVille, 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, 1987 Cadillac DeVille (271 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Cadillac DeVille will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1987 Cadillac DeVille has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Cadillac DeVille will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Cadillac DeVille | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mazda |
| Model | DeVille | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4087 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2329 mm |
