1961 Triumph Vitesse vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Triumph Vitesse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Triumph Vitesse 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 97 more horse power than 1961 Triumph Vitesse. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1961 Triumph Vitesse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 259 kg more than 1961 Triumph Vitesse. 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 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Triumph Vitesse. (125 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Triumph Vitesse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Triumph Vitesse | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Triumph | Mazda |
| Model | Vitesse | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 48 L |
