2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1974 Rover 3.5
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Rover 3.5 (149 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 613 kg more than 2002 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, 1974 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1974 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1974 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1974 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Rover |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1638 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2820 mm |
