1987 Maserati 228 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Maserati 228. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Maserati 228 would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Maserati 228 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Maserati 228 (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Maserati 228 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Maserati 228 weights approximately 167 kg more than 2008 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, 1987 Maserati 228 (365 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Maserati 228 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Maserati 228 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Maserati | Mazda |
| Model | 228 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2790 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2340 mm |
