1985 Ford Mustang vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 20 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 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1985 Ford Mustang. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Mustang weights approximately 33 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1985 Ford Mustang (285 Nm) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (225 Nm). This means 1985 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Mustang | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2270 mm |
