1958 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 401 kg more than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
1958 Austin-Healey Sprite | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Austin-Healey | Mazda |
Model | Sprite | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1958 | 2001 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 948 cc | 1840 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 44 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 71 Nm | 163 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 664 kg | 1065 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 3980 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 50 L |