1988 Ford RS 200 vs. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford RS 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford RS 200 would be higher. At 1,804 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford RS 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford RS 200 (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford RS 200 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford RS 200 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 RS 200 (292 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford RS 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford RS 200 | 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | RS 200 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1804 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2270 mm |
