1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1964 Rover P5
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1964 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1964 Rover P5. (119 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1964 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Rover P5 weights approximately 695 kg more than 1998 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 Rover P5 (219 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1964 Rover P5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1964 Rover P5 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1964 Rover P5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1964 Rover P5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Rover |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | P5 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 52 L |
