1998 Ford Mustang vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Mustang (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Mustang weights approximately 325 kg more than 2001 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, 1998 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Mustang | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 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 Weight | 1390 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2270 mm |
