2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1969 Opel Olympia
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1969 Opel Olympia. (58 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1969 Opel Olympia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 412 kg more than 1969 Opel Olympia. 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Opel Olympia. (83 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Opel Olympia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1969 Opel Olympia | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Olympia |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1078 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
