2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1981 Porsche 930
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 930. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 930 would be higher. At 3,297 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 930 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 930 (296 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 930 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 371 kg more than 1981 Porsche 930.
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, 1981 Porsche 930 (431 Nm) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (171 Nm). This means 1981 Porsche 930 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1981 Porsche 930 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 930 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 3297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 74.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |
