2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1990 Mercury Capri
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1990 Mercury Capri. (100 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercury Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 70 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 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercury Capri. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercury Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1990 Mercury Capri | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Capri |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2410 mm |
