2002 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2002 Ford Escort. (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 3 kg more than 2002 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Ford Escort, 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Escort. (178 Nm). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Escort. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Escort | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
