2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1958 Rover P4
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Rover P4 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1958 Rover P4. (51 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1958 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Rover P4 weights approximately 48 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Rover P4. (138 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1958 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Rover |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | P4 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2830 mm |
