1990 Daihatsu Applause vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Daihatsu Applause. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Daihatsu Applause would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1990 Daihatsu Applause. (90 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 Daihatsu Applause. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 209 kg more than 1990 Daihatsu Applause. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Daihatsu Applause, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Daihatsu Applause. (130 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Daihatsu Applause.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Daihatsu Applause | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mazda |
| Model | Applause | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 48 L |
