2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1987 Mazda 929
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 2,183 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1987 Mazda 929. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1987 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 19 kg more than 1987 Mazda 929. 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 (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mazda 929. (184 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1987 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 929 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2183 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2720 mm |
