1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma would be higher. At 2,554 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. (98 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma weights approximately 170 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, 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma (188 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma 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 | 1980 Mitsubishi Sigma | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sigma |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2554 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2520 mm |
