1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1968 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1968 Triumph Spitfire. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1968 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 220 kg more than 1968 Triumph Spitfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Triumph Spitfire, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Triumph Spitfire. (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1968 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Mazda | Triumph |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 76 mm |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2110 mm |
