1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta 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 (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 298 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 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, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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 (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Fiesta | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Fiesta | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 83 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 126 Nm | 188 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1098 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4620 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2340 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 50 L |