1954 Ford Popular vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Ford Popular. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Ford Popular would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1954 Ford Popular. (26 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1954 Ford Popular. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 290 kg more than 1954 Ford Popular. 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, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Ford Popular. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Ford Popular.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Ford Popular | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Popular | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3880 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2270 mm |
