1975 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 30 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (108 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 190 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
