1996 Ford Aerostar vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1996 Ford Aerostar is newer by 7 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Aerostar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Aerostar (133 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Aerostar should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Aerostar 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.
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 Ford Aerostar (217 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Aerostar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Aerostar | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Aerostar | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2270 mm |
