1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 900 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (408 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2006 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 408 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 85 L |
