2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1972 Opel Commodore
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,490 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Opel Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1972 Opel Commodore. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Opel Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Opel Commodore weights approximately 30 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1972 Opel Commodore (177 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Opel Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1972 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
