1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1988 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 5,044 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Holden Commodore (164 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Holden Commodore weights approximately 355 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, 1988 Holden Commodore (324 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1988 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1988 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Mazda | Holden |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 5044 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2740 mm |
