2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2011 Ford Taurus is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Taurus weights approximately 666 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 72 L |
