2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1990 Mercury Capri
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercury Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercury Capri would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Capri. (100 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 60 kg more than 1990 Mercury Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1990 Mercury Capri, 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, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Capri. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1990 Mercury Capri | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Capri |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
