2006 Ford Freestar vs. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Ford Freestar is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,802 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Freestar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Freestar (194 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Freestar should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Freestar weights approximately 418 kg more than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Freestar, 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, 2006 Ford Freestar (330 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Freestar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2006 Ford Freestar has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Ford Freestar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Freestar | 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Freestar | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1443 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 50 L |
