2004 Ford Mustang vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Ford Mustang is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Mustang (390 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 280 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 542 kg more than 1999 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 Mustang (529 Nm) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (241 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4589 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 529 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2270 mm |
