2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1994 Saab 900
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Saab 900 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Saab 900 (168 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Saab 900 weights approximately 190 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Saab 900, 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, 1994 Saab 900 (227 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1994 Saab 900 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 | 1994 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Mazda | Saab |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 900 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 227 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 81.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2530 mm |
