2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1964 Rover P5
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1964 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1964 Rover P5. (119 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1964 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Rover P5 weights approximately 625 kg more than 2009 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, 1964 Rover P5 (219 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1964 Rover P5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1964 Rover P5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Rover |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | P5 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 77.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 105 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 52 L |
