2004 Ford Taurus vs. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 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 (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 200 kg more than 2004 Ford Taurus.
Because 2000 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 2000 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 (251 Nm) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (230 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2004 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2000 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 | 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2270 mm |
