2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1948 Triumph Roadster
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Triumph Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Triumph Roadster would be higher. At 1,776 cc (4 cylinders), 1948 Triumph Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1948 Triumph Roadster. (62 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1948 Triumph Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Triumph Roadster weights approximately 127 kg more than 2005 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, 1948 Triumph Roadster (125 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1948 Triumph Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1948 Triumph Roadster | |
| Make | Mazda | Triumph |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1948 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1776 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 106 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2550 mm |
