2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1961 Triumph TR3
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Triumph TR3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Triumph TR3 would be higher. At 2,138 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Triumph TR3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1961 Triumph TR3. (101 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1961 Triumph TR3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 251 kg more than 1961 Triumph TR3. 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, 1961 Triumph TR3 (172 Nm @ 3350 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1961 Triumph TR3 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 | 1961 Triumph TR3 | |
| Make | Mazda | Triumph |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | TR3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2138 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3350 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 904 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 53 L |
