2009 Dodge Charger vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Dodge Charger is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 5,652 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Charger (368 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Charger weights approximately 990 kg more than 1989 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, 2009 Dodge Charger (536 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 399 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2009 Dodge Charger has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Charger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Charger | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Charger | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5652 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 368 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 536 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2270 mm |
