1979 Ford LTD vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford LTD would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1979 Ford LTD. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford LTD weights approximately 561 kg more than 2012 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 LTD (332 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1979 Ford LTD has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford LTD | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | LTD | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 48 L |
