1985 Ford Escort vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (165 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1985 Ford Escort. (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA weights approximately 102 kg more than 1985 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2330 mm |
