1987 Ford Sierra vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1987 Ford Sierra. (66 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Sierra weights approximately 31 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Sierra. (142 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Sierra | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2329 mm |
