2001 Ford Fiesta vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2001 Ford Fiesta. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 260 kg more than 2001 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Ford Fiesta, 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Fiesta. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Fiesta | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 16 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
