2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1959 Rover P5
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1959 Rover P5. (106 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Rover P5 weights approximately 559 kg more than 2003 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 Rover P5 (222 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1959 Rover P5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1959 Rover P5 has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1959 Rover P5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1959 Rover P5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Rover |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | P5 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 63 L |
