1996 Opel Frontera vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Opel Frontera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Opel Frontera would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Frontera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1996 Opel Frontera. (115 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Frontera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Frontera weights approximately 795 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1996 Opel Frontera is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Opel Frontera will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 Opel Frontera (260 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Frontera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Opel Frontera | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Opel | Mazda |
| Model | Frontera | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1920 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2329 mm |
