1981 Ford Escort vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 141 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2340 mm |
