1972 Ford GT 40 vs. 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 6 kg more than 1972 Ford GT 40.
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, 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 Nm) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford GT 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford GT 40 | 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | GT 40 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 980 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2270 mm |
