1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 368 kg more than 2000 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (252 Nm) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (161 Nm). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 58 L |
