2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Mercury Milan
To start off, 2011 Mercury Milan is newer by 8 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercury Milan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercury Milan (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Milan should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Milan weights approximately 410 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.
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, 2011 Mercury Milan, 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, 2011 Mercury Milan (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercury Milan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Mercury Milan 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. 2011 Mercury Milan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Mercury Milan | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Milan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1526 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4801 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1445 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 66 L |
