2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1999 TVR Speed 12
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 TVR Speed 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 TVR Speed 12 would be higher. At 7,728 cc (12 cylinders), 1999 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 TVR Speed 12 (790 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 650 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 140 kg more than 1999 TVR Speed 12.
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, 1999 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 713 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 TVR Speed 12 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 | 1999 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | Mazda | TVR |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 7728 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 790 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 13 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 57 L |
