1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 555 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.
Because 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Mazda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2830 mm |
