2012 Ford Expedition vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Ford Expedition is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Expedition is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Expedition (310 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Expedition should accelerate faster than 2011 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, 2012 Ford Expedition (494 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 327 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Expedition will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Ford Expedition has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Expedition will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Ford Expedition | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Expedition | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5400 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 494 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5621 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2002 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1974 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3327 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 127 L | 48 L |
