1954 Bristol 405 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Bristol 405. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Bristol 405 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1954 Bristol 405. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1954 Bristol 405. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Bristol 405 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Bristol 405. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Bristol 405. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1954 Bristol 405 has manual transmission. 1954 Bristol 405 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Bristol 405 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 405 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 50 L |
