2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 5 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (240 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 778 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 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner, 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner (302 Nm) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner 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 | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6550 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 62 L |
