1981 Ford Granada vs. 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (68 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Granada weights approximately 415 kg more than 1991 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, 1981 Ford Granada (148 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Granada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Granada | 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Granada | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2270 mm |
