1992 Ford Fiesta vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Ford Fiesta (128 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 65 kg more than 1992 Ford Fiesta.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1992 Ford Fiesta (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1992 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Ford Fiesta | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3750 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 50 L |
