1990 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 455 kg more than 2006 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, 1990 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Thunderbird | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.1 mm |
| 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 | 1610 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
