1975 Ford Capri vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1975 Ford Capri. (88 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 184 kg more than 1975 Ford Capri. 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Capri. (126 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Capri | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Capri | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1023 kg | 1207 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 50 L |
