2005 Ford Ranger vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ford Ranger. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Ranger would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2005 Ford Ranger. (110 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Ranger weights approximately 120 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2005 Ford Ranger (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Ranger | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ranger | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1155 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
