1982 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (108 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1982 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Mustang weights approximately 75 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, 1982 Ford Mustang (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (135 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Mustang | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2680 mm |
