2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1998 Opel Speedster
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Opel Speedster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Opel Speedster would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Speedster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Speedster (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Speedster 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 187 kg more than 1998 Opel Speedster.
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, 1998 Opel Speedster (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Speedster 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 | 1998 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Speedster |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2340 mm |
