1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1962 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (110 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 43 kg more than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine. (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1962 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mazda | Sunbeam |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1038 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
