2006 Ford E-350 vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Ford E-350 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford E-350 (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford E-350 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford E-350 weights approximately 1463 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Ford E-350 (475 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford E-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford E-350 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | E-350 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Van | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2488 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3510 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 50 L |
