2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1999 Holden Commodore
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Holden Commodore (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Holden Commodore weights approximately 440 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1999 Holden Commodore (305 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1999 Holden Commodore has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1999 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Mazda | Holden |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2950 mm |
