1991 Porsche 965 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Porsche 965. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Porsche 965 would be higher. At 3,299 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Porsche 965 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Porsche 965 (317 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Porsche 965 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Porsche 965 weights approximately 326 kg more than 2012 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 Porsche 965 (459 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1991 Porsche 965 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Porsche 965 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Porsche | Mazda |
| Model | 965 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3299 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2329 mm |
