1983 Ford Fairlane vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Fairlane (131 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 575 kg more than 2005 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, 1983 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1983 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Fairlane | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fairlane | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2340 mm |
