2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2008 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2008 Ford Falcon is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Falcon (362 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Falcon weights approximately 679 kg more than 2003 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, 2008 Ford Falcon (533 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 409 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2008 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2008 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Falcon |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 533 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1704 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4967 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1868 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2838 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 68 L |
