2009 Ford Taurus X vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata

To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus X is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus X is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus X (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus X should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Taurus X weights approximately 82 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2009 Ford Taurus X is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus X will offer significantly more control. 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 X (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus X will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2009 Ford Taurus X has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Taurus X will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2009 Ford Taurus X 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Make Ford Mazda
Model Taurus X MX-5 Miata
Year Released 2009 1998
Body Type Crossover Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3496 cc 1839 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 263 HP 138 HP
Engine RPM 6250 RPM 6500 RPM
Torque 338 Nm 162 Nm
Torque RPM 4500 RPM 4500 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type 4WD Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 6 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1107 kg 1025 kg
Vehicle Length 5090 mm 3960 mm
Vehicle Width 1910 mm 1680 mm
Vehicle Height 1720 mm 1240 mm
Wheelbase Size 2870 mm 2270 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 72 L 50 L