1989 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (61 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 140 kg more than 1989 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Escort, 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, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (100 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Ford Escort | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Escort | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 61 HP | 112 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 100 Nm | 124 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 50 L |