2008 Ford Mustang vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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 Mustang (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Mustang | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 48 L |
