1957 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1957 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 515 kg more than 1957 Ford Escort. 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 (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford Escort | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 48 L |
