2003 Ford Taurus vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 378 kg more than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2007 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 2007 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2003 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2007 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 | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1207 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 50 L |
