1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 586 kg more than 2009 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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Gran Torino | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.6 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 50 L |
