1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Ford Kuga
To start off, 2012 Ford Kuga is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Ford Kuga is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Kuga (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Kuga should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Kuga weights approximately 575 kg more than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Ford Kuga is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Kuga will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Ford Kuga (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Kuga will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Ford Kuga | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Kuga |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2700 mm |
