1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2010 Ford Escape
To start off, 2010 Ford Escape is newer by 12 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 2,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ford Escape (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Ford Escape weights approximately 1878 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.
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 Escape (474 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2010 Ford Escape has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Ford Escape will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2010 Ford Escape | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Escape |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 2903 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5504 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 2111 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3505 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 132 L |
