2003 Ford Taurus vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Ford Taurus is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Taurus (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 560 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2003 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Taurus | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 50 L |
