1986 Ford Escort vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 145 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1986 Ford Escort | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Escort | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1986 | 1989 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1115 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 48 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 83 Nm | 137 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 83.6 mm |
Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 970 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2270 mm |