1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1976 Reliant SE6
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Reliant SE6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Reliant SE6 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1976 Reliant SE6. (133 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1976 Reliant SE6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Reliant SE6 weights approximately 225 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, 1976 Reliant SE6 (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Reliant SE6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1976 Reliant SE6 | |
| Make | Mazda | Reliant |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | SE6 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2650 mm |
