1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1998 Mitsubishi SST
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mitsubishi SST. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mitsubishi SST would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mitsubishi SST is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mitsubishi SST (210 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mitsubishi SST should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mitsubishi SST weights approximately 150 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.
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, 1998 Mitsubishi SST, 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, 1998 Mitsubishi SST (296 Nm) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (241 Nm). This means 1998 Mitsubishi SST will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1998 Mitsubishi SST has automatic transmission and 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mitsubishi SST will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1998 Mitsubishi SST | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | SST |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2570 mm |
