1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1959 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1959 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 23 kg more than 1959 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata (155 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Wartburg 311. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1959 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Mazda | Wartburg |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 311 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 983 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2460 mm |
