2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 355 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight, 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, 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (264 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Mazda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2830 mm |
