1998 Plymouth Neon vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Plymouth Neon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Plymouth Neon would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1998 Plymouth Neon. (131 HP @ 5850 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1998 Plymouth Neon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 15 kg more than 1998 Plymouth Neon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Plymouth Neon, 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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Plymouth Neon. (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Plymouth Neon. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1998 Plymouth Neon has manual transmission. 1998 Plymouth Neon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Plymouth Neon | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Plymouth | Mazda |
| Model | Neon | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5850 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 48 L |
