2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1987 TVR 420
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 TVR 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 TVR 420 would be higher. At 4,225 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 TVR 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 TVR 420 (300 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 TVR 420 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 TVR 420 weights approximately 145 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, 1987 TVR 420 (393 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 TVR 420 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 | 1987 TVR 420 | |
| Make | Mazda | TVR |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 420 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 4225 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| 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 | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 59 L |
