2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 Opel Speedster
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Opel Speedster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Opel Speedster would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Opel Speedster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Speedster (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Speedster 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 175 kg more than 2006 Opel Speedster.
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, 2006 Opel Speedster (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Speedster 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 | 2006 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Speedster |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 36 L |
