Ford Mustang vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Mustang and 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 Ford Mustang and the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
In comparing the Ford Mustang's and the Mazda MX-5 Miata's specifications and ratings, the Ford Mustang has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Mazda MX-5 Miata has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Ford Mustang's and the Mazda MX-5 Miata's specifications and ratings, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a better car than the Ford Mustang.
Pricing: For a new model, the Ford Mustang's price is between $39,751 and $64,880, with the Mazda MX-5 Miata priced between $30,420 and $38,894.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Mustang loses 43.5 percent of its value and the Mazda MX-5 Miata loses 33.5 percent of its value. This means the Mazda MX-5 Miata retains 10.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Mustang.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Mustang is 7.8 out of 10 while the Mazda MX-5 Miata's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Ford Mustang being ranked 4 out of 9 Best Convertibles and the Mazda MX-5 Miata being ranked 1 out of 9. Out of 15 Best Sports Cars, the Ford Mustang is ranked 7 and the Mazda MX-5 Miata is ranked 5.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Mustang is 7.8 out of 10. For the Mazda MX-5 Miata the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Mazda MX-5 Miata a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Mustang.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Mustang’s base engine makes 315 horsepower, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata base engine makes 181 horsepower. The Mustang is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 528 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Ford Mustang the advantage in maximum range. The Mustang uses regular unleaded, and the MX-5 Miata uses premium unleaded.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$39,751 - $64,880
Starting MSRP:
$39,020
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
$34,022
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
$28,985 - $42,970
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$30,420 - $38,894
Starting MSRP:
$28,985
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
$34,022
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
$28,985 - $42,970
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$53,095
Price Range:
$38,893 - $64,667
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
$50,979
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
$35,475 - $58,789
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,873
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
9,296
# Good or Great Deals:
135
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
$50,979
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
$35,475 - $58,789
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
103
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
1,753
# Good or Great Deals:
8
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$17,297
Depreciation %:
44.3%
Resale Value $:
$21,723
Residual Value %:
55.7%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Sports Cars)
29.8%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Sports Cars)
23.9% - 44.3%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$9,865
Depreciation %:
34%
Resale Value $:
$19,120
Residual Value %:
66%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Sports Cars)
29.8%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Sports Cars)
23.9% - 44.3%
Ford Mustang Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Mazda MX-5 Miata Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Mustang
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
8.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)
12.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)
8.9 - 15.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.3%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda MX-5 Miata
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
15.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)
12.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)
8.9 - 15.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.6 - 6.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.6 - 6.6
Ford Mustang Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
6 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 15Ranking
9 out of / 15Ranking
9 out of / 10Ranking
9 out of / 9Ranking
15 out of / 15Mazda MX-5 Miata Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 15Ranking
11 out of / 15Ranking
13 out of / 15Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe
Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Mustang Trim Levels
EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT Premium, Dark Horse, GT
Mazda MX-5 Miata Trim Levels
Sport, Club, Grand Touring
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:
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
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:
315 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
350 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.084 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque:
151 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.076 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 33 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
352 / 528 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
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
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
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
N/A
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
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
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention 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
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
29.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
44.6 inches
Cargo Space:
10.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
89.5 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:
3747 lbs
Width:
81.9 inches
Height:
54.8 inches
Length:
189.4 inches
Wheelbase:
107 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2368 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
Atlas Blue / Grabber Blue / Vapor Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray / Dark Matter Gray
Red
Race Red / Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Yellow
Yellow Splash Metallic Tri-coat
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black Onyx
Gray
Space Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
