1991 Lexus LS vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lexus LS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lexus LS would be higher. At 3,969 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lexus LS (242 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lexus LS weights approximately 790 kg more than 1998 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, 1991 Lexus LS (351 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1991 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1991 Lexus LS has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1991 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lexus LS | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lexus | Mazda |
| Model | LS | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3969 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2270 mm |
