1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1981 Mitsubishi Sigma
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mitsubishi Sigma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mitsubishi Sigma would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mitsubishi Sigma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1981 Mitsubishi Sigma. (75 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Mitsubishi Sigma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mitsubishi Sigma weights approximately 5 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mitsubishi Sigma. (117 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mitsubishi Sigma.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1981 Mitsubishi Sigma | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sigma |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2520 mm |
