1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1981 Porsche 944
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 944 (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Porsche 944 weights approximately 225 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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (241 Nm) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 944. (195 Nm). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1981 Porsche 944 | |
Make | Mazda | Porsche |
Model | MX-5 Miata | 944 |
Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2479 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 110 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 241 Nm | 195 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 100 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 78.9 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1345 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |