1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1971 Rover 2000
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Rover 2000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Rover 2000 would be higher. At 1,978 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Rover 2000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1971 Rover 2000. (106 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1971 Rover 2000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Rover 2000 weights approximately 270 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, 1971 Rover 2000 (172 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Rover 2000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1971 Rover 2000 | |
| Make | Mazda | Rover |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 2000 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2640 mm |
