1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 31 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, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (165 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 266 kg more than 2013 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 Thunderbird (252 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA has manual transmission. 2013 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 | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1448 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 48 L |
