2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 59 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Explorer | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 50 L |
