1980 Ford Falcon vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1980 Ford Falcon. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Falcon weights approximately 215 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1980 Ford Falcon (228 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Falcon | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Falcon | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2340 mm |
