1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1973 Porsche 914
To start off, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Porsche 914. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Porsche 914 would be higher. At 1,679 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Porsche 914 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1973 Porsche 914. (79 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1973 Porsche 914. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 45 kg more than 1973 Porsche 914. 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, both vehicles can yield 137 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1973 Porsche 914 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 914 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2460 mm |
