2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1956 Porsche 356
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (108 HP) has 49 more horse power than 1956 Porsche 356. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1956 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 258 kg more than 1956 Porsche 356. 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Porsche 356. (110 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1956 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 356 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 163 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 52 L |
