2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1971 Porsche 914
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Porsche 914. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Porsche 914 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (153 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1971 Porsche 914. (79 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1971 Porsche 914. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 130 kg more than 1971 Porsche 914. 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 (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Porsche 914. (136 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Porsche 914.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1971 Porsche 914 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 914 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
