2001 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Mustang (260 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 112 kg more than 2001 Ford Mustang.
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, 2001 Ford Mustang (410 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Mustang | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 48 L |
