2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Ford S-Max
To start off, 2011 Ford S-Max is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Ford S-Max is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford S-Max (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford S-Max should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford S-Max weights approximately 718 kg more than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford S-Max, 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, 2011 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Ford S-Max | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | S-Max |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1743 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
