If fuel cost matters most
Mazda MX-5 Miata with up to 42 MPG combined.
Side-by-side verified model comparison
Mazda MX-5 Miata vs Ford Mustang
Mazda MX-5 Miata and Ford Mustang answer the same shopping question from different directions. The MX-5 Miata is more efficient on verified EPA data, while the Mustang reaches the higher power peak. Use the table below to decide whether your priority is fuel cost, safety, size or outright output.
At a glance
| Metric | Mazda MX-5 Miata | Ford Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| Production coverage | 1989 - present | 1964 - present |
| Verified generations | 2 | 2 |
| Peak power | 184 hp | 500 hp |
| Best EPA combined | 42 MPG | 24 MPG |
| Latest NHTSA overall | NR | 5★ |
| Open recalls (2015/2024) | 0 | 12 |
| Latest dimensions | 3915 × 1735 × 1225 mm | 4811 × 1915 × 1392 mm |
| Average curb weight | 1039 kg (2291 lbs) | 1694 kg (3735 lbs) |
| Fuel types | Petrol | Petrol |
If power matters most
Ford Mustang with a verified peak of 500 hp.
If safety is the filter
The available data is incomplete, so use the side-by-side table rather than a one-line verdict.
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Head-to-Head: Base Model Specifications
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the entry-level powertrain for the newest verified generation of each model. This shows exactly what you get before adding options or stepping up to premium trims.
| Specification | Mazda MX-5 MiataMX-5 ND 1.5 SKYACTIV-G | Ford MustangMustang VII 2.3 EcoBoost |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Engine Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Cylinders / Configuration | I4 | I4 |
| Displacement | 1.5L (1496 cc) | 2.3L (2295 cc) |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | Turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 132 hp | 315 hp |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 474 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 8.3 s | 5.3 s |
| Top Speed | 205 km/h | 233 km/h |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Automatic |
| Gears | 6 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy & Range | ||
| City MPG (EPA) | 37.0 MPG | 21.0 MPG |
| Highway MPG (EPA) | 48.0 MPG | 29.0 MPG |
| Combined MPG (EPA) | 42.0 MPG | 24.0 MPG |
| Electric Range | — | — |
| Battery Capacity | — | — |
| CO₂ Emissions | 139 g/km | 231 g/km |
| Dimensions & Utility | ||
| Length | 3915 mm | 4811 mm |
| Width | 1735 mm | 1915 mm |
| Height | 1225 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1000 kg | 1583 kg |
| Doors / Seats | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
What search winners do that generic comparisons don’t
The top-ranking comparison pages win because they answer an explicit buying job: which one is more efficient, which one is safer, which one is larger, which one has the broader powertrain range. Pages that only dump two brochures side by side rarely hold clicks.
This comparison uses the newest verified generation of each model as the headline lens, then routes you into the exact generation sheets for the trim-level details. That is more durable than comparing incentives or dealer inventory, and more trustworthy than hiding missing data behind a made-up score.
Questions buyers ask
Which is more fuel-efficient, the MX-5 Miata or the Mustang?
Mazda MX-5 Miata wins on verified EPA combined economy at up to 42 MPG, versus 24 MPG for the Ford Mustang.
Which has more horsepower, the MX-5 Miata or the Mustang?
Ford Mustang reaches the higher verified peak at 500 hp, compared with 184 hp for the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Which is safer: MX-5 Miata or Mustang?
Mazda MX-5 Miata has a latest recorded NHTSA overall rating of not rated; Ford Mustang has 5★. Cross-check the frontal, side and rollover rows rather than using one headline number alone.
Is this a trim-by-trim comparison?
This page compares the newest verified generation of each model family. For year-specific engines, dimensions and trim tables, open the linked generation pages for each side.