2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1989 Ford Corsair
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Corsair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Corsair would be higher. At 2,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Corsair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1989 Ford Corsair. (129 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Corsair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Corsair weights approximately 35 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Corsair, 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, 1989 Ford Corsair (189 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Corsair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1989 Ford Corsair has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Ford Corsair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1989 Ford Corsair | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Corsair |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2560 mm |
