1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2006 Porsche Boxster is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,687 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Porsche Boxster (225 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Porsche Boxster weights approximately 416 kg more than 1989 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, 2006 Porsche Boxster (260 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2006 Porsche Boxster has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Porsche Boxster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2006 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 253 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2420 mm |
