1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 555 kg more than 2007 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 Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2340 mm |
