2002 Maserati Spyder vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2002 Maserati Spyder is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 4,253 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Maserati Spyder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Maserati Spyder (390 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Maserati Spyder should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Maserati Spyder weights approximately 710 kg more than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2002 Maserati Spyder (451 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Maserati Spyder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Maserati Spyder | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Maserati | Mazda |
| Model | Spyder | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4253 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.8 mm | 83.6 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 | 1680 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2270 mm |
