1970 Ford Taunus 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 Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Taunus 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 (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1970 Ford Taunus. (81 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 115 kg more than 1970 Ford Taunus. 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 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Taunus. (126 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Taunus | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taunus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 50 L |
