1971 Ford Mustang vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,726 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (251 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (178 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 147 kg more than 1971 Ford Mustang.
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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (225 Nm) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Mustang. (146 Nm). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Mustang | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4726 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2270 mm |
