1977 Ford Fiesta vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1977 Ford Fiesta. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 455 kg more than 1977 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Fiesta | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 130 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 50 L |
