2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1986 Porsche 911
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Porsche 911 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 99 kg more than 1986 Porsche 911.
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, 1986 Porsche 911 (286 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1986 Porsche 911 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 | 1986 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 911 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 80 L |
