2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 335 kg more than 2006 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 Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 48 L |
