1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1958 Rover P4
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,230 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1958 Rover P4. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1958 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Rover P4 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Rover P4. (153 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1958 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Rover |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | P4 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2230 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
