1990 Ford Escort vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1990 Ford Escort. (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 55 kg more than 1990 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (244 Nm) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Escort. (144 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Escort | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2270 mm |
