2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,835 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 856 kg more than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (171 Nm) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph Spitfire. (111 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1979 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Mazda | Triumph |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2110 mm |
