2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1990 Rover 400
To start off, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Rover 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Rover 400 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Rover 400 (115 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Rover 400 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 5 kg more than 1990 Rover 400.
Because 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Rover 400, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata (161 Nm) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Rover 400. (144 Nm). This means 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Rover 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1990 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Mazda | Rover |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 400 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2560 mm |
