2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1974 Ford Capri
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (153 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1974 Ford Capri. (71 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 45 kg more than 1974 Ford Capri. 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Capri. (119 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Capri. 1974 Ford Capri has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Ford Capri will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1974 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Capri |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2570 mm |
