2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1993 Ford Tempo
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Ford Tempo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Ford Tempo would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1993 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1993 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ford Tempo weights approximately 10 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, 1993 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, 1993 Ford Tempo (171 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1993 Ford Tempo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1993 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. 1993 Ford Tempo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1993 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Tempo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 93.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2540 mm |
