1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1989 Vauxhall Nova
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Vauxhall Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Vauxhall Nova would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (137 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1989 Vauxhall Nova. (44 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1989 Vauxhall Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 290 kg more than 1989 Vauxhall Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Vauxhall Nova, 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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Vauxhall Nova. (69 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Vauxhall Nova. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1989 Vauxhall Nova has manual transmission. 1989 Vauxhall Nova will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1989 Vauxhall Nova | |
| Make | Mazda | Vauxhall |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Nova |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 69 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2350 mm |
