1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 655 kg more than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ford Thunderbird | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Thunderbird | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1979 | 2007 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1798 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 124 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 386 Nm | 167 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 83.1 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 1158 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2340 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |