2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 525 kg more than 2006 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Mazda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 3230 mm |
