2001 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Taurus (201 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Ford Taurus, 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, 2001 Ford Taurus (250 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2001 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Taurus | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 48 L |
