1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1986 Porsche 944
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Porsche 944 (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Porsche 944 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1998 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, 1986 Porsche 944 (196 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1986 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1986 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 944 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 66 L |
