1957 Ford Popular 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 Popular. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford Popular 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 (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1957 Ford Popular. (26 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford Popular. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 453 kg more than 1957 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Ford Popular. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Ford Popular.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford Popular | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Popular | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1957 | 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 | 26 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 738 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3880 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2340 mm |
