2004 Ford Fiesta vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2004 Ford Fiesta. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 83 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Ford Fiesta (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Fiesta | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1108 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
