2008 Jeep Liberty vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Jeep Liberty is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Jeep Liberty is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Jeep Liberty (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jeep Liberty should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jeep Liberty weights approximately 1008 kg more than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Jeep Liberty is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Jeep Liberty will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Jeep Liberty (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Jeep Liberty will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2008 Jeep Liberty has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Jeep Liberty will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Jeep Liberty | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Jeep | Mazda |
| Model | Liberty | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1978 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2270 mm |
