2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1970 Ford Escort
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1970 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 220 kg more than 1970 Ford Escort. 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, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Escort. 1970 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1970 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Escort |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2400 mm |
