1970 Ford Zephyr vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1970 Ford Zephyr. (81 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 125 kg more than 2010 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, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Zephyr. (154 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Zephyr | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Zephyr | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 154 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2329 mm |
