2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 952 kg more than 2012 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Explorer | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 48 L |
