2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1982 Porsche 944
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1982 Porsche 944. (151 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1982 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Porsche 944 weights approximately 138 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, 1982 Porsche 944 (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1982 Porsche 944 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 | 1982 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 944 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1207 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 66 L |
