2004 Ford Transit Connect vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Transit Connect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Transit Connect would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2004 Ford Transit Connect. (114 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Transit Connect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Transit Connect weights approximately 144 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Transit Connect, 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Transit Connect. (160 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Transit Connect.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Transit Connect | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Transit Connect | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Panel Van | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2270 mm |
