2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1981 Mazda 929
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1981 Mazda 929. (89 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda 929 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda 929. (160 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1981 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 929 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2620 mm |
