1997 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,795 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (160 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1997 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Mustang.
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, 1997 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Mustang | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Mustang | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3795 cc | 1999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 143 HP | 160 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 298 Nm | 188 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 87.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.1 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3990 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2270 mm |