1971 Ford Falcon vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 39 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, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1971 Ford Falcon. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 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 221 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, 1971 Ford Falcon (259 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Falcon | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Falcon | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 259 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2329 mm |
