1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1972 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 15 kg more than 1972 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 (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1972 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mazda | Sunbeam |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1972 |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |
