2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2004 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2004 Mercury Montego is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Montego (197 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 130 kg more than 2004 Mercury Montego.
Because 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Montego, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 Mercury Montego (272 Nm) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (230 Nm). This means 2004 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2004 Mercury Montego has automatic transmission and 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercury Montego will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2004 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Montego |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5650 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2870 mm |
