1997 Holden Statesman vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Holden Statesman (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Holden Statesman weights approximately 365 kg more than 2008 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, 1997 Holden Statesman (305 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1997 Holden Statesman has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Holden Statesman will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Holden Statesman | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Holden | Mazda |
| Model | Statesman | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2340 mm |
