1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1985 Opel Senator
To start off, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Opel Senator would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1985 Opel Senator. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Opel Senator weights approximately 356 kg more than 1989 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, 1985 Opel Senator (186 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1985 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1985 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Senator |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 77.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2690 mm |
