2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1959 Rover P4
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 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,625 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1959 Rover P4. (92 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Rover P4 weights approximately 295 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 Rover P4 (168 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1959 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1959 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Rover |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | P4 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2625 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 52 L |
