1990 Ford Probe vs. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Probe would be higher. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1990 Ford Probe. (108 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Probe weights approximately 170 kg more than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2000 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 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Ford Probe, 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, 1990 Ford Probe (179 Nm) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (161 Nm). This means 1990 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Probe | 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Probe | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2270 mm |
