1959 Fairthorpe Zeta vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 443 kg more than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta.
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 Fairthorpe Zeta (217 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Mazda |
| Model | Zeta | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 673 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2620 mm |
