1992 Ford Tempo vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1992 Ford Tempo. (97 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1992 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Ford Tempo weights approximately 26 kg more than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Ford Tempo, 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, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Ford Tempo. (171 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Ford Tempo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Ford Tempo | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Tempo | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2329 mm |
