1996 Ford Probe vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Probe would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1996 Ford Probe. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Probe weights approximately 50 kg more than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Probe, 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, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Probe. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Probe.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Ford Probe | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Probe | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 166 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 170 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 87.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 83.1 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1180 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2340 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 48 L |