1989 Lamborghini Jalpa vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lamborghini Jalpa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lamborghini Jalpa would be higher. At 3,485 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Lamborghini Jalpa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lamborghini Jalpa (252 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lamborghini Jalpa should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lamborghini Jalpa weights approximately 475 kg more than 1999 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 Lamborghini Jalpa (314 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Lamborghini Jalpa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lamborghini Jalpa | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lamborghini | Mazda |
| Model | Jalpa | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3485 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
