2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1980 Opel Commodore
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Opel Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1980 Opel Commodore. (115 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Opel Commodore weights approximately 8 kg more than 2008 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, 1980 Opel Commodore (179 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Opel Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1980 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
