1961 Ford Zodiac vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 226 kg more than 1996 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, 1961 Ford Zodiac (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1961 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Zodiac | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Zodiac | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2270 mm |
