2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1982 Porsche 944
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Porsche 944 (163 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Porsche 944 weights approximately 44 kg more than 2003 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, 1982 Porsche 944 (205 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1982 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1982 Porsche 944 has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Porsche 944 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1982 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 944 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 66 L |
