1988 Ford Mustang vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Mustang weights approximately 144 kg more than 2004 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, 1988 Ford Mustang (176 Nm) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 Nm). This means 1988 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2270 mm |
