2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1961 Reliant Sabre 4
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. (70 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 352 kg more than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. (123 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Reliant |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sabre 4 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1703 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 1150 kg | 798 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 38 L |
