1989 Ford Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 474 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1989 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Ford Thunderbird | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Thunderbird | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1840 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 139 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 291 Nm | 168 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3980 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |