1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1966 Mini MK I
To start off, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mini MK I. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mini MK I would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1966 Mini MK I. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1966 Mini MK I. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 350 kg more than 1966 Mini MK I. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Mini MK I, 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, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Mini MK I. (61 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Mini MK I.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1966 Mini MK I | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | MK I |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 61 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2040 mm |
