2003 Ford Freestar vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Freestar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Freestar would be higher. At 3,801 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Freestar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Freestar (190 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Freestar should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Freestar weights approximately 842 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Freestar, 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, 2003 Ford Freestar (336 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Freestar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2003 Ford Freestar has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Freestar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Freestar | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Freestar | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3801 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2340 mm |
