1989 Ford Fiesta vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 177 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (138 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fiesta | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 918 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
