1989 Ford Tempo vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (110 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1989 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Tempo weights approximately 112 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Tempo, 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, 1989 Ford Tempo (175 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Tempo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Tempo | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Tempo | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2270 mm |
