2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1996 Rover 800
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Rover 800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Rover 800 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Rover 800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Rover 800 (174 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Rover 800 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Rover 800 weights approximately 306 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Rover 800, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Rover 800 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Rover 800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1996 Rover 800 has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Rover 800 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1996 Rover 800 | |
| Make | Mazda | Rover |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 800 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.8 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2780 mm |
