1978 Ford Capri vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 35 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri. 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, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Capri | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Capri | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1839 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 53 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 85 Nm | 162 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2270 mm |