1989 Chrysler Viper vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Chrysler Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Chrysler Viper would be higher. At 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1989 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chrysler Viper (449 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 324 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chrysler Viper weights approximately 380 kg more than 2006 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, 1989 Chrysler Viper (664 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 497 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chrysler Viper | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mazda |
| Model | Viper | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 449 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 664 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2340 mm |
