1972 Ford GT 40 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 40 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 183 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 179 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford GT 40. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford GT 40 has manual transmission. 1972 Ford GT 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Ford GT 40 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | GT 40 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 4195 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 350 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 85 Nm | 190 Nm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1139 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 980 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2329 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 125 L | 48 L |