2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1966 Morris Minor
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Morris Minor 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 (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1966 Morris Minor. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1966 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 394 kg more than 1966 Morris Minor. 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Morris Minor. (81 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1966 Morris Minor | |
| Make | Mazda | Morris |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Minor |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 64.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 83.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
