1981 Ford Granada vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 30 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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 300 kg more than 2011 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 (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Granada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Granada | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Granada | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2790 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2329 mm |
