1971 Ford Capri vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,637 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1971 Ford Capri. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 77 kg more than 1971 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, 1971 Ford Capri (224 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Capri | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Capri | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2637 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 48 L |
