2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1957 Morris Minor
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Morris Minor would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1957 Morris Minor. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1957 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 200 kg more than 1957 Morris Minor. 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Morris Minor. (66 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1957 Morris Minor | |
| Make | Mazda | Morris |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Minor |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 66 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
