2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1989 Saab 9000
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Saab 9000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Saab 9000 would be higher. At 2,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Saab 9000 (226 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 9000 weights approximately 365 kg more than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000, 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, 1989 Saab 9000 (351 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1989 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Mazda | Saab |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 9000 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 226 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 66 L |
