1966 Ford GT 40 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Ford GT 40 weights approximately 7 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (189 Nm) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford GT 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford GT 40 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | GT 40 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 83.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1040 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 125 L | 50 L |
