1998 Mazda Sentia vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda Sentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda Sentia would be higher. At 2,954 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mazda Sentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1998 Mazda Sentia. (159 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda Sentia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda Sentia weights approximately 421 kg more than 2012 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 Sentia (245 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda Sentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1998 Mazda Sentia has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda Sentia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda Sentia | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | Sentia | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2954 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2329 mm |
