2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Sable (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Sable weights approximately 470 kg more than 2008 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 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable, 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, 2003 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2003 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sable |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 68 L |
