2021 Ford Mustang vs. 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Ford Mustang and 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Ford Mustang and the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
When we compare the 2021 Ford Mustang's and the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Ford Mustang has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars and base engine power. The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Ford Mustang's and the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a better car than the 2021 Ford Mustang.
Pricing: A used 2021 Ford Mustang ranges from $17,990 to $41,994 while a used 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is priced between $21,714 to $29,598.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Ford Mustang loses 47.2 percent of its value and the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata loses 36.3 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata retains 10.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Ford Mustang.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Mustang is 7.6 out of 10 while the Mazda MX-5 Miata's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Ford Mustang being ranked 4 out of 6 Best Convertibles and the Mazda MX-5 Miata being ranked 1 out of 6. Out of 14 Best Sports Cars, the Ford Mustang is ranked 7 and the Mazda MX-5 Miata is ranked 1.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Mustang is 7.2 out of 10. For the Mazda MX-5 Miata the reliability rating is 8.9 out of 10. This gives the Mazda MX-5 Miata an advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Mustang.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Ford Mustang’s base engine makes 310 horsepower, and the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata base engine makes 181 horsepower. The Mustang is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 388 miles. The MX-5 Miata is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 405 miles. This gives the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Ford Mustang. The Mustang uses regular unleaded, and the MX-5 Miata uses premium unleaded.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
32705
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
29748
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
25000 - 33045
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
26830
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
29748
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
25000 - 33045
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
26843
Price Range:
17990 - 41994
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
30905
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
23989 - 38757
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
622
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
37652
# Good or Great Deals:
245
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
25812
Price Range:
21714 - 29598
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
30905
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
23989 - 38757
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
29
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
26488
# Good or Great Deals:
15
Ford Mustang Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Mazda MX-5 Miata Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Ford Mustang
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)
12.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)
5.4 - 20.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.01
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
20.6
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)
12.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)
5.4 - 20.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.131
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.69605230124377
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.5 - 4.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.3164578852803444
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.5 - 4.7
Ford Mustang Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
6 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 9Ranking
14 out of / 14Mazda MX-5 Miata Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
12 out of / 14Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe
Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Ford Mustang Trim Levels
EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, GT Premium, Mach 1, Shelby GT500
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata Trim Levels
Club, Grand Touring, Sport
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
310 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
350 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.085 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque:
151 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.077 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 25 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
295 / 388 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 34 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
309 / 405 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
N/A
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
45.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
29.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
44.7 inches
Cargo Space:
11.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
79.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
52.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
4.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3636 lbs
Width:
81.9 inches
Height:
54.9 inches
Length:
188.5 inches
Wheelbase:
107.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2341 lbs
Width:
68.3 inches
Height:
48.6 inches
Length:
154.1 inches
Wheelbase:
90.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/55R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P195/50R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Shadow Black
Blue
Antimatter Blue / Velocity Blue
Gray
Carbonized Grey
Orange
Twister Orange Tri-Coat
Red
Race Red / Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Yellow
Grabber Yellow
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Arctic White
Yellow
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Ebony
Gray
Dark Ceramic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
