2002 Ford Taurus vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,933 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (165 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2002 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Taurus weights approximately 295 kg more than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA.
Because 2013 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 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. 2002 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA has manual transmission. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Taurus | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2933 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| 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 Weight | 1477 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 48 L |
