2006 Ford Fusion vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Ford Fusion is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2006 Ford Fusion. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Fusion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Fusion weights approximately 120 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Fusion, 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, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Fusion. (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Fusion.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Fusion | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fusion | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
