1971 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 37 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 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (330 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Mustang weights approximately 517 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 Mustang (503 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Mustang | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 503 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 50 L |
