1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1980 TVR Tasmin
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 TVR Tasmin. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 TVR Tasmin would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 TVR Tasmin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 TVR Tasmin (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 TVR Tasmin should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 TVR Tasmin weights approximately 10 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1980 TVR Tasmin (220 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 TVR Tasmin 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 | 1980 TVR Tasmin | |
| Make | Mazda | TVR |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Tasmin |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
