2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1974 Rover 2000
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Rover 2000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Rover 2000 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1974 Rover 2000. (106 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1974 Rover 2000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Rover 2000 weights approximately 200 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 (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Rover 2000. (172 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Rover 2000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1974 Rover 2000 | |
| Make | Mazda | Rover |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 2000 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1976 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2640 mm |
