1959 Berkeley QB vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley QB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley QB would be higher. At 1,837 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley QB. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley QB. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 1404 kg more than 1959 Berkeley QB. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley QB, 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley QB. (58 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley QB.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley QB | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Berkeley | Mazda |
| Model | QB | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 691 cc | 1837 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 381 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 50 L |
