1980 Ford Escort vs. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 20 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 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 935 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 2000 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 2000 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, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata (230 Nm) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (100 Nm). This means 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2270 mm |
