2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1981 Porsche 911
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 911 (232 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Porsche 911 weights approximately 120 kg more than 2005 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, 1981 Porsche 911 (284 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1981 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 911 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 284 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 74.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
