1986 Ford Mustang vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1986 Ford Mustang. (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Mustang weights approximately 100 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (170 Nm) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Mustang | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2270 mm |
