2008 Ford Mondeo vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Ford Mondeo is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Mondeo (128 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 539 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mondeo, 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, 2008 Ford Mondeo (330 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Mondeo | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mondeo | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1564 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 50 L |
