1959 Steyr 500D vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Steyr 500D. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Steyr 500D would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1959 Steyr 500D. (19 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 Steyr 500D. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 645 kg more than 1959 Steyr 500D. 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Steyr 500D. (32 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Steyr 500D.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Steyr 500D | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Steyr | Mazda |
| Model | 500D | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Size | 488 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 19 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2970 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2329 mm |
