1985 Ford Meteor vs. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Meteor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Meteor would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Meteor is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1985 Ford Meteor. (82 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Meteor.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Meteor, 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, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Meteor. (123 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Meteor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Meteor | 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Meteor | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2270 mm |
