1990 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1990 Ford Mustang. (105 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Mustang weights approximately 165 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Mustang. (183 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Mustang | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
