2003 Jensen SV-8 vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Jensen SV-8 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Jensen SV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Jensen SV-8 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1989 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, 2003 Jensen SV-8 (439 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Jensen SV-8 | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Jensen | Mazda |
| Model | SV-8 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2270 mm |
