1972 Ford Custom vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Custom. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Custom would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Custom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Custom (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Custom should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Custom weights approximately 577 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, 1972 Ford Custom (325 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Custom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1972 Ford Custom has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Ford Custom will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Custom | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Custom | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1769 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 50 L |
