1981 Ford Granada vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 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 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 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 278 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (220 Nm) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (216 Nm). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Granada | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Granada | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2790 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2270 mm |
