1970 Ford Capri vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1970 Ford Capri. (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 91 kg more than 1970 Ford Capri. 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, 1970 Ford Capri (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1970 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Capri | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Capri | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1103 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 50 L |
