2008 Ford Taurus vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 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 129 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 33 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 2008 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 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 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2008 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2004 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 | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 5000 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 | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 50 L |
