1971 Ford Falcon vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1971 Ford Falcon. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Falcon weights approximately 220 kg more than 2003 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, 1971 Ford Falcon (259 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Falcon | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Falcon | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 259 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2270 mm |
