1994 Ford Tempo vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1994 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Ford Tempo weights approximately 30 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1994 Ford Tempo (171 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1994 Ford Tempo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Tempo | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Tempo | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2270 mm |
