1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1954 Porsche 356
To start off, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1954 Porsche 356. (110 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1954 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 175 kg more than 1954 Porsche 356. 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, 1954 Porsche 356 (133 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1954 Porsche 356 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1954 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 356 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 79 L |
