2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Ford E-350
To start off, 2011 Ford E-350 is newer by 3 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford E-350 (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford E-350 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford E-350 weights approximately 1347 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.
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, 2011 Ford E-350 (474 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford E-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Ford E-350 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. 2011 Ford E-350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Ford E-350 | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | E-350 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 2541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5504 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 2126 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 3505 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 125 L |
