1980 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 160 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1980 Ford Escort (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Ford Escort | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Escort | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 79 HP | 112 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 126 Nm | 124 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |