2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1988 Porsche 944
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,680 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Porsche 944 (162 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (108 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster 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, 1988 Porsche 944 (225 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1988 Porsche 944 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. 1988 Porsche 944 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1988 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 944 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2680 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 104 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 219 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2390 mm |
