1969 Ford Zephyr vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1969 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1969 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 56 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Ford Zephyr. (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Ford Zephyr | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Zephyr | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 50 L |
