1984 Ford Mustang vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,292 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1984 Ford Mustang. (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 486 kg more than 1984 Ford Mustang. 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (171 Nm) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Mustang | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 85.1 mm |
| 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 | 1671 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2270 mm |
