1989 Ford Corsair vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Corsair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Corsair would be higher. At 2,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Corsair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (153 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1989 Ford Corsair. (129 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Corsair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Corsair weights approximately 135 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Corsair, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, both vehicles can yield 189 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Corsair | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Corsair | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2389 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2340 mm |
