2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2010 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2010 Mercury Mariner is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercury Mariner (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 569 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, 2010 Mercury Mariner, 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mercury Mariner. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2010 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 57 L |
