2004 Ford Expedition vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Ford Expedition is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 4,603 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Expedition is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Expedition (232 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Expedition should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Expedition weights approximately 1397 kg more than 1989 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, 2004 Ford Expedition (395 Nm) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Expedition will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2004 Ford Expedition has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Expedition will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Expedition | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Expedition | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4603 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 395 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2367 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1980 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2270 mm |
