1992 Ford Fiesta vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1992 Ford Fiesta. (128 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1992 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 179 kg more than 1992 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Ford Fiesta. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Ford Fiesta | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| 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 | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3750 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 48 L |
