2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
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 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 166 kg more than 1999 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 50 L |
