1956 Ford Zodiac vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 56 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 53 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 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Zodiac | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Zodiac | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2329 mm |
