1989 Holden Apollo vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Holden Apollo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Holden Apollo would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Holden Apollo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1989 Holden Apollo. (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1989 Holden Apollo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Holden Apollo weights approximately 65 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Holden Apollo, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1989 Holden Apollo (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Holden Apollo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Holden Apollo | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Holden | Mazda |
| Model | Apollo | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2270 mm |
