1987 Ford Fairlane vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,088 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1987 Ford Fairlane. (137 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 535 kg more than 2009 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, 1987 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Fairlane | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fairlane | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4088 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2340 mm |
