1978 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (171 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 250 kg more than 2006 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, 1978 Ford Crown Victoria (353 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Crown Victoria | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Crown Victoria | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2340 mm |
