1972 Ford GT 40 vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 33 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 226 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford GT 40 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 95 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | GT 40 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 167 Nm |
| 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 | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 980 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 125 L | 50 L |
