1985 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1985 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 600 kg more than 1985 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1985 Ford Mustang | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Mustang | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1985 | 2004 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1837 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 139 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 168 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
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 | 1785 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3980 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2650 mm |