2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1980 Opel Commodore
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Opel Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1980 Opel Commodore. (115 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 7 kg more than 1980 Opel Commodore. 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Commodore. (179 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1980 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1207 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
