2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2010 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2010 Ford Fiesta 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (104 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2010 Ford Fiesta. (89 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2010 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 150 kg more than 2010 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2010 Ford Fiesta (185 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2010 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 11.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 3.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
