2003 Ford Mondeo vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Mondeo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Mondeo would be higher. At 1,837 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2003 Ford Mondeo. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 395 kg more than 2003 Ford Mondeo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mondeo, 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 Mondeo (175 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mondeo | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mondeo | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1837 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2650 mm |
