2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1983 Ford Tempo
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Tempo would be higher. Both 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata and 1983 Ford Tempo are equipped with a 1,998 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1983 Ford Tempo. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Tempo weights approximately 12 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Tempo, 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Tempo. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Tempo. 1983 Ford Tempo has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Ford Tempo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1983 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Tempo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2540 mm |
