1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 90 kg more than 2009 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 Mustang (197 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Mustang | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Mustang | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2300 cc | 1999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 197 Nm | 191 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 | 1125 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2340 mm |