2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1999 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Sable weights approximately 418 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Sable, 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, 1999 Mercury Sable (246 Nm) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 1999 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1999 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sable |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 68 L |
