2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1973 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 126 kg more than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1973 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mazda | Sunbeam |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |
