2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1986 Opel Senator
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Opel Senator would be higher. At 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1986 Opel Senator. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1986 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Opel Senator weights approximately 235 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1986 Opel Senator (182 Nm) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 Nm). This means 1986 Opel Senator 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 | 1986 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Senator |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
