2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1982 Porsche 944
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Porsche 944 (151 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Porsche 944 weights approximately 205 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, 1982 Porsche 944 (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1982 Porsche 944 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 | 1982 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 944 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 66 L |
