2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2000 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,603 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Mustang (260 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Mustang weights approximately 400 kg more than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2000 Ford Mustang (406 Nm) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (244 Nm). This means 2000 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2000 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. 2000 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2000 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4603 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2580 mm |
