2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2003 Opel Speedster
To start off, 2003 Opel Speedster is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Speedster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Opel Speedster. (145 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Speedster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 795 kg more than 2003 Opel Speedster. 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, 2003 Opel Speedster (203 Nm) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (171 Nm). This means 2003 Opel Speedster 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 | 2003 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Speedster |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 876 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2710 mm |
