2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1998 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Falcon (221 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Falcon weights approximately 390 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1998 Ford Falcon (357 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1998 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1998 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Falcon |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 3984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 357 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3995 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1245 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2329 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 59 L |
