2009 Ford Taurus vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Taurus weights approximately 85 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus, 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 50 L |
