1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2011 Mercury Mariner is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercury Mariner (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 545 kg more than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Mariner, 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, 2011 Mercury Mariner (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Mercury Mariner | |
Make | Mazda | Mercury |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Mariner |
Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 171 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 137 Nm | 232 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1515 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4450 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1806 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1727 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2619 mm |