1976 Ford Fairlane vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Fairlane (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 336 kg more than 2003 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, 1976 Ford Fairlane (328 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Fairlane | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fairlane | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2620 mm |
