2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata

To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 82 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mustang (530 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Compare all specifications:

2003 Ford Mustang 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Make Ford Mazda
Model Mustang MX-5 Miata
Year Released 2003 2006
Body Type Coupe Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4601 cc 1999 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 400 HP 170 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 6700 RPM
Torque 530 Nm 190 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 5000 RPM
Drive Type Rear Rear
Number of Seats 2 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1492 kg 1410 kg
Vehicle Length 4630 mm 4000 mm
Vehicle Width 1900 mm 1730 mm
Vehicle Height 1300 mm 1250 mm
Wheelbase Size 2490 mm 2340 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 68 L 48 L