2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1996 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Skoda Octavia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Skoda Octavia would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Skoda Octavia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Skoda Octavia (125 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (108 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Skoda Octavia should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 155 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Skoda Octavia, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Skoda Octavia (169 Nm @ 3530 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (135 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Skoda Octavia 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 | 1996 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Mazda | Skoda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Octavia |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3530 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2520 mm |
