1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 325 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 2012 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 2012 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Fiesta | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 83 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 129 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1125 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2329 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 48 L |