1976 Ford Taunus vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 40 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taunus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2340 mm |
