1990 Holden Apollo vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Holden Apollo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Holden Apollo would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1990 Holden Apollo. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 Holden Apollo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Holden Apollo weights approximately 35 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Holden Apollo, 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Holden Apollo. (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Holden Apollo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Holden Apollo | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Holden | Mazda |
| Model | Apollo | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2340 mm |
