1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1970 Opel Commodore
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,784 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Opel Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Opel Commodore (148 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Opel Commodore should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Opel Commodore weights approximately 195 kg more than 1999 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, 1970 Opel Commodore (223 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1970 Opel Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1970 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2784 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 75 L |
