1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1971 Opel Commodore
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,490 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Opel Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1971 Opel Commodore. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1971 Opel Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Opel Commodore weights approximately 145 kg more than 1999 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, 1971 Opel Commodore (177 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 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 | 1971 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
