1981 Ford Granada 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 Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Granada (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Granada should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Granada weights approximately 170 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Granada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Granada | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Granada | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2340 mm |
