1979 Ford Falcon vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1979 Ford Falcon. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Falcon weights approximately 240 kg more than 2004 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, 1979 Ford Falcon (263 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Falcon | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Falcon | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2270 mm |
