2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1988 Ford Aerostar
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Aerostar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Aerostar would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Aerostar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1988 Ford Aerostar. (143 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Aerostar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Aerostar weights approximately 315 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1988 Ford Aerostar (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Aerostar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1988 Ford Aerostar | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Aerostar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 3030 mm |
