1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Mustang (138 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 150 kg more than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1978 Ford Mustang (197 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Mustang | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Mustang | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2300 cc | 1840 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 197 Nm | 163 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1065 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3980 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2270 mm |