2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1997 McLaren F1
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 McLaren F1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 McLaren F1 would be higher. At 6,063 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 460 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 37 kg more than 1997 McLaren F1.
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, 1997 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 461 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 McLaren F1 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 | 1997 McLaren F1 | |
| Make | Mazda | McLaren |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | F1 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 6063 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1207 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2720 mm |
