Japan vs Japan — 1989 vs 2016
| MX-5 Miata NA 1.6 | MX-5 ND Grand Touring | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 116 hp | 181 hp |
| Torque | 100 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,597 cc | 1,998 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.6 sec | 5.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 122 mph | 136 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.2 sec | 14.3 sec |
| Weight | 2,116 lbs | 2,332 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,265 mm | 2,310 mm |
| Length | 3,970 mm | 3,915 mm |
| Units Produced | 431,506 | — |
| Original MSRP | $13,800 | $30,560 |
| Value (Excellent) | $25,000 | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 3/10 | 3/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata NA 1.6 brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 2016 Mazda MX-5 ND Grand Touring answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The 1989 and 2016 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2016 Mazda MX-5 ND Grand Touring holds a clear advantage in raw power with 181 hp compared to 116 hp, a 65-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mazda MX-5 Miata uses a Inline-4 DOHC B6ZE displacing 1,597 cc, while the Mazda MX-5 relies on a Inline-4 DOHC 16V with 1,998 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2016 Mazda MX-5 ND Grand Touring edges ahead at 5.7 seconds versus 8.6 seconds. The Mazda MX-5 Miata carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 216 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 2016 Mazda MX-5 ND Grand Touring commands a significant premium over the 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata NA 1.6, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.