1977 Ford Taunus vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP) has 104 more horse power than 1977 Ford Taunus. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Ford Taunus weights approximately 47 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Taunus | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taunus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 158 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 50 L |
