1979 Ford Taunus vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1979 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 19 kg more than 1979 Ford Taunus. 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Taunus | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taunus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 50 L |
