1951 Ford Zephyr vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 61 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,262 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1951 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1951 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 21 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Ford Zephyr. (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Ford Zephyr | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Zephyr | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2262 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 48 L |
