2008 Ford Taurus vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Taurus weights approximately 142 kg more than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus will offer significantly more control. 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 Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2008 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Ford Taurus | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Taurus | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1596 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 263 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 338 Nm | 129 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 965 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2270 mm |