1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1989 Vauxhall Belmont
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Vauxhall Belmont. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Vauxhall Belmont would be higher. At 1,700 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Vauxhall Belmont is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1989 Vauxhall Belmont. (56 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1989 Vauxhall Belmont. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Vauxhall Belmont weights approximately 5 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Vauxhall Belmont, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Vauxhall Belmont. (105 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Vauxhall Belmont.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1989 Vauxhall Belmont | |
| Make | Mazda | Vauxhall |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Belmont |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2530 mm |
