1978 Ford Fiesta vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (165 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA weights approximately 467 kg more than 1978 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 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 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Fiesta | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 956 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 48 L |
