1972 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,753 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Mustang (267 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Mustang weights approximately 462 kg more than 2009 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 Mustang (417 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Mustang | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5753 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 417 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 198 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 50 L |
