2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1988 Toyota Supra
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota Supra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Supra would be higher. At 2,952 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Toyota Supra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Toyota Supra (232 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Toyota Supra should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Toyota Supra weights approximately 395 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, 1988 Toyota Supra (351 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Toyota Supra 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 | 1988 Toyota Supra | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Supra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
