1975 Ford Escort vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,845 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (137 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 116 kg more than 1975 Ford Escort. 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, both vehicles can yield 163 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1975 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1975 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1845 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2300 mm |
