1969 Ford 17 vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Ford 17 would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1969 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1969 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Ford 17 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Ford 17. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Ford 17 | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | 17 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |
