1959 Austin-Healey 3000 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 would be higher. At 2,911 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (124 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 12 kg more than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. 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, 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 (237 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mazda |
| Model | 3000 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2911 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1143 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 50 L |
