1987 Maserati 420 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Maserati 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Maserati 420 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Maserati 420 (217 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Maserati 420 should accelerate faster than 2006 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, 1987 Maserati 420 (258 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Maserati 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Maserati 420 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Maserati | Mazda |
| Model | 420 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 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 Length | 4410 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2270 mm |
