2003 Ford Taurus 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 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 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 145 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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 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 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2003 Ford Taurus 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 Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Ford Taurus | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Taurus | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
Body Type | Sedan | 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 | 166 HP |
Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 244 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1332 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2340 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 48 L |