1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2010 Ford Ranger
To start off, 2010 Ford Ranger is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ford Ranger (143 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Ford Ranger weights approximately 482 kg more than 1997 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, 2010 Ford Ranger (209 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2010 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1447 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5171 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3193 mm |
