1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1985 Ford Meteor
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Meteor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Meteor would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1985 Ford Meteor. (72 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Meteor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 140 kg more than 1985 Ford Meteor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Meteor, 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, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Meteor. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Meteor. 1985 Ford Meteor has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Ford Meteor will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1985 Ford Meteor | |
Make | Mazda | Ford |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Meteor |
Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1488 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 72 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 162 Nm | 110 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 885 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4160 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2370 mm |