1983 Ford Capri vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1983 Ford Capri. (72 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 105 kg more than 1983 Ford Capri. 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, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Capri. (98 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Capri | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Capri | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
