1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III weights approximately 25 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (225 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mazda |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 50 L |
