1968 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort 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 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 265 kg more than 1968 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 (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
