2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1998 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1998 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 281 kg more than 1998 Ford Mustang. 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, 1998 Ford Mustang (298 Nm) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (171 Nm). This means 1998 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1998 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1998 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2580 mm |
