1959 Porsche 356 vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Porsche 356 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 59 more horse power than 1959 Porsche 356. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 227 kg more than 1959 Porsche 356. 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Porsche 356. (119 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Porsche 356. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1959 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1959 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Porsche 356 | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Porsche | Mazda |
| Model | 356 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 50 L |
