2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2005 Ford Explorer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 4,016 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Explorer weights approximately 154 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Ford Explorer will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Ford Explorer (321 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2005 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2005 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1837 cc | 4016 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 100.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 85 L |
