1980 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata

To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 296 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 2008 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 2008 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Make Ford Mazda
Model Escort MX-5 Miata
Year Released 1980 2008
Body Type Hatchback Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1597 cc 1998 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 96 HP 166 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 6700 RPM
Torque 132 Nm 190 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 5000 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 9.5:1 10.8:1
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 895 kg 1191 kg
Vehicle Length 3980 mm 4000 mm
Vehicle Width 1650 mm 1730 mm
Vehicle Height 1390 mm 1250 mm
Wheelbase Size 2400 mm 2340 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 40 L 48 L


 

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