2004 Ford Taurus vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Taurus (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 452 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.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus, 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 Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2004 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 50 L |
