2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1997 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Porsche Boxster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Porsche Boxster would be higher. At 2,480 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Porsche Boxster (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Porsche Boxster weights approximately 195 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, 1997 Porsche Boxster (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Porsche Boxster 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 | 1997 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Boxster |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2360 mm |
