2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1959 Tatra T603
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Tatra T603. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Tatra T603 would be higher. At 2,545 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Tatra T603 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1959 Tatra T603. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 Tatra T603. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Tatra T603 weights approximately 445 kg more than 2002 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, 1959 Tatra T603 (158 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1959 Tatra T603 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1959 Tatra T603 | |
| Make | Mazda | Tatra |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | T603 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2545 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2760 mm |
