2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang is newer by 4 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Mustang (412 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 288 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mustang weights approximately 495 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, 2012 Ford Mustang (528 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 412 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 528 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1687 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
