1997 Ford Ranger vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Ranger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Ranger would be higher. At 2,507 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1997 Ford Ranger. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Ranger weights approximately 245 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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 Ranger (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Ranger | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ranger | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2507 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2340 mm |
