1966 Ford 12 M vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford 12 M would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1966 Ford 12 M. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 265 kg more than 1966 Ford 12 M. 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 (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford 12 M. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford 12 M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford 12 M | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | 12 M | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 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 | 875 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 50 L |
