1955 Ford Prefect vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1955 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1955 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 333 kg more than 1955 Ford Prefect. 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Ford Prefect | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Prefect | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2340 mm |
