2005 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Taurus (153 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Ford Taurus, 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, 2005 Ford Taurus (266 Nm) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Taurus | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 266 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 48 L |
