2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1996 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Porsche Boxster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Porsche Boxster would be higher. At 2,480 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Porsche Boxster (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Porsche Boxster 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 77 kg more than 1996 Porsche Boxster.
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, 1996 Porsche Boxster (240 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Porsche Boxster 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 | 1996 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Boxster |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1252 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 64 L |
