1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2004 Opel Zafira
To start off, 2004 Opel Zafira is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Zafira is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2004 Opel Zafira. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2004 Opel Zafira. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Zafira weights approximately 525 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2004 Opel Zafira, 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, 2004 Opel Zafira (270 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Zafira 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 | 2004 Opel Zafira | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Zafira |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 58 L |
