2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2010 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2010 Ford Explorer is newer by 7 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ford Explorer (207 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 144 kg more than 2010 Ford Explorer.
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, 2010 Ford Explorer (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2010 Ford Explorer 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. 2010 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2010 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 254 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 4.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3320 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 85 L |
