1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1987 Mazda 929
To start off, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 2,954 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mazda 929 (163 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 929 should accelerate faster than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mazda 929 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1994 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, 1987 Mazda 929 (247 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1987 Mazda 929 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1987 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 929 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 247 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2720 mm |
