1956 Ford Prefect vs. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1956 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 315 kg more than 1956 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, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata (161 Nm) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm). This means 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Prefect | 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Prefect | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2270 mm |
