2001 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 780 kg more than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2001 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Ford Thunderbird | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Thunderbird | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3933 cc | 1596 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 249 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 388 Nm | 129 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 83.6 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 965 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2270 mm |