Compare the2023 Ford MustangVS 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The Ford Mustang has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The Mustang’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Mustang and the MX-5 Miata have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available rear parking sensors.

The Ford Mustang weighs 995 to 1591 pounds more than the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts. Crosswinds also affect lighter cars more.

Warranty

There are almost 6 times as many Ford dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Mustang’s warranty.

Reliability

The Mustang has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the car’s engine.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Ford above average in initial quality. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated lower.

Engine

The Mustang’s standard 2.3 turbo 4-cylinder produces 129 more horsepower (310 vs. 181) and 199 lbs.-ft. more torque (350 vs. 151) than the MX-5 Miata’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Mustang’s optional 2.3 turbo 4-cylinder produces 149 more horsepower (330 vs. 181) and 199 lbs.-ft. more torque (350 vs. 151) than the MX-5 Miata’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Mustang GT’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 269 more horsepower (450 vs. 181) and 259 lbs.-ft. more torque (410 vs. 151) than the MX-5 Miata’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Mustang Mach 1’s standard 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 289 more horsepower (470 vs. 181) and 259 lbs.-ft. more torque (410 vs. 151) than the MX-5 Miata’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Ford Mustang is faster than the Mazda MX-5 Miata (manual transmissions tested):

	Mustang base	Mustang GT	MX-5 Miata
Zero to 60 MPH	5 sec	4.2 sec	5.7 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	13 sec	9.5 sec	16.1 sec
Quarter Mile	13.6 sec	12.6 sec	14.5 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	102 MPH	114 MPH	95 MPH
Top Speed	155 MPH	154 MPH	130 MPH

In a Motor Trend racecourse test, the Ford Mustang GT Fastback was clocked 10.05 seconds faster than the Mazda MX-5 Miata Club (98.42 sec. vs. 108.47 sec.).

Fuel Economy and Range

The Mustang EcoBoost’s standard fuel tank has 3.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the MX-5 Miata (15.5 vs. 11.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Mustang GT/Mach 1’s standard fuel tank has 4.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the MX-5 Miata (16 vs. 11.9 gallons).

The Mustang has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Transmission

A 10-speed automatic is available on the Ford Mustang, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the MX-5 Miata.

A standard “hill holder” feature keeps the Ford Mustang with manual transmission from rolling backwards on a steep slope. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer a hill holder feature.

The Mustang Manual’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer launch control.

The Ford Mustang GT/Mach 1 manual has a downshift rev synchronizer that automatically raises engine speed to make downshifts perfectly smooth. This keeps the car from lurching during downshifts, preventing loss of control during cornering. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer a downshift rev synchronizer.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Mustang’s brake rotors are larger than those on the MX-5 Miata:

	Mustang	Mustang V8 PP/Mach 1	MX-5 Miata
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	15 inches	11 inches
Rear Rotors	12.6 inches	12.6 inches	11 inches

The Mustang’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the MX-5 Miata are solid, not vented.

The Mustang stops much shorter than the MX-5 Miata:

	Mustang	MX-5 Miata
70 to 0 MPH	138 feet	175 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	94 feet	116 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Mustang has larger standard tires than the MX-5 Miata (235/55R17 vs. 195/50R16). The Mustang Mach 1’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the MX-5 Miata (F:305/30R19 & R:315/30R19 vs. 205/45R17).

The Mustang Mach 1’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the MX-5 Miata Club/Grand Touring’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Mustang has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the MX-5 Miata Sport. The Mustang’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 17-inch wheels on the MX-5 Miata Club/Grand Touring.

The Ford Mustang’s wheels have 5 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Mazda MX-5 Miata only has 4 wheel lugs per wheel.

The Mustang has a standard space-saver spare (not available on Handling Package/H.O. Package/Mach 1) so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the MX-5 Miata; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling

The Mustang offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The MX-5 Miata’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Mustang has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Mustang’s wheelbase is 16.2 inches longer than on the MX-5 Miata (107.1 inches vs. 90.9 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Mustang is 3.5 inches wider in the front and 5.9 inches wider in the rear than on the MX-5 Miata.

The Mustang GT Premium Convertible handles at .98 G’s, while the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring pulls only .89 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Mustang GT Premium Convertible executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.1 seconds quicker than the MX-5 Miata Grand Touring (24.3 seconds @ .82 average G’s vs. 26.4 seconds @ .67 average G’s).

Chassis

The front grille of the Mustang (except Performance Pack) uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Mustang Convertible uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Mustang has standard seating for 4 passengers; the MX-5 Miata can only carry 2.

The Mustang Convertible has .2 inches more front headroom, 2 inches more front legroom, 2.9 inches more front hip room and 4.1 inches more front shoulder room than the MX-5 Miata.

Cargo Capacity

The Mustang Convertible has a much larger trunk with its top down than the MX-5 Miata (11.4 vs. 4.6 cubic feet).

Towing

The Mustang (except Mach 1) has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The MX-5 Miata has no towing capacity.

Ergonomics

The Mustang Auto has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

When three different drivers share the Mustang Premium/Mach 1, the optional memory system makes it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, suspension setting, power steering assist, and outside mirror angle. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Mustang Premium/Mach 1’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Mustang’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The MX-5 Miata does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Mustang’s front power windows open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The MX-5 Miata’s power windows’ switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.

On a hot day the Mustang’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the MX-5 Miata can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Mustang’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The MX-5 Miata’s power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Mustang’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The MX-5 Miata Sport/Club’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Mustang has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The MX-5 Miata has an automatic headlight on/off feature standard only on the Grand Touring.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Mustang has standard extendable sun visors. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Mustang’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The MX-5 Miata’s visors are fixed into the windshield header.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Mustang Premium/Mach 1 Deluxe keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Mustang Premium/Mach 1’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Mustang’s optional dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

A built-in pollen filter removes pollen, exhaust fumes and other pollutants from the Mustang’s passenger compartment. This helps prevent lung and/or sinus irritation that can trigger allergies or asthma. The MX-5 Miata’s air conditioner doesn’t offer a filtration system.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Mustang offers an optional Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The MX-5 Miata doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

Model Availability

The Ford Mustang comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Mazda MX-5 Miata isn’t available as a coupe.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Mustang owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the Mustang with a number “3” insurance rate while the MX-5 Miata is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Mustang is less expensive to operate than the MX-5 Miata because it costs $264 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Mustang than the MX-5 Miata, including $5 less for a water pump, $176 less for a starter, $34 less for fuel injection, $257 less for a fuel pump, $183 less for front struts and $36 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

The Ford Mustang outsold the Mazda MX-5 Miata by 60% during the 2022 model year.