2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1980 Porsche 924
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 Porsche 924. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Porsche 924 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Porsche 924 (174 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Porsche 924 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Porsche 924 weights approximately 84 kg more than 2009 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, 1980 Porsche 924 (250 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Porsche 924 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1980 Porsche 924 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 924 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1179 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
