2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1959 Alvis TD
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Alvis TD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Alvis TD would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Alvis TD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1959 Alvis TD. (117 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 Alvis TD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Alvis TD weights approximately 231 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, 1959 Alvis TD (221 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1959 Alvis TD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1959 Alvis TD has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1959 Alvis TD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1959 Alvis TD | |
| Make | Mazda | Alvis |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | TD |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 169 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 64 L |
