1979 Ford Mustang vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1979 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Mustang weights approximately 133 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Mustang | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2340 mm |
