1986 Ford Fairlane vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1986 Ford Fairlane. (137 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 493 kg more than 2012 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, 1986 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Fairlane has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Fairlane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Fairlane | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fairlane | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2329 mm |
