Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. Ford Mustang
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Ford Mustang 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Ford Mustang.
When we compare the Mazda MX-5 Miata's and the Ford Mustang's specifications and ratings, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Ford Mustang has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mazda MX-5 Miata's and the Ford Mustang's specifications and ratings, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a better car than the Ford Mustang.
Pricing: A used 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata ranges from $28,131 to $38,700 while a used 2025 Ford Mustang is priced between $34,928 to $71,134. For a new model, the Mazda MX-5 Miata's price is between $31,130 and $39,871, with the Ford Mustang priced between $41,626 and $69,780.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda MX-5 Miata loses 36.3 percent of its value and the Ford Mustang loses 47.2 percent of its value. This means the Mazda MX-5 Miata retains 10.9 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata is 8.8 out of 10 while the Ford Mustang's quality rating is 7.6 out of 10. This results in the Mazda MX-5 Miata being ranked 1 out of 14 Best Sports Cars and the Ford Mustang being ranked 7 out of 14. Out of 6 Best Convertibles, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is ranked 1 and the Ford Mustang is ranked 4.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda MX-5 Miata is 8.9 out of 10. For the Ford Mustang the reliability rating is 7.2 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata’s base engine makes 181 horsepower, and the Ford Mustang base engine makes 315 horsepower. The MX-5 Miata is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 405 miles. The Mustang is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 528 miles.This gives the Mazda MX-5 Miata the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Ford Mustang the advantage in maximum range. The MX-5 Miata uses premium unleaded, and the Mustang uses regular unleaded.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
31130 - 39871
Starting MSRP:
29830
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
35186
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
29830 - 42970
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
41626 - 69780
Starting MSRP:
40120
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
35186
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
29830 - 42970
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
33746
Price Range:
28131 - 38700
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
40382
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
33746 - 50310
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
50310
Price Range:
34928 - 71134
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
40382
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
33746 - 50310
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
10922
Depreciation %:
0.3661385
Resale Value $:
18908
Residual Value %:
0.6338615000000001
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Sports Cars)
0.33757779
Category Depreciation Range:
(Sports Cars)
0.24794219 - 0.47768027
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
19165
Depreciation %:
0.47768027
Resale Value $:
20955
Residual Value %:
0.52231973
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Sports Cars)
0.33757779
Category Depreciation Range:
(Sports Cars)
0.24794219 - 0.47768027
Mazda MX-5 Miata Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Ford Mustang Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda MX-5 Miata
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
24.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)
15.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)
9.4 - 24.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.131
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Mustang
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)
15.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)
9.4 - 24.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.01
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.703241207488077
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
4.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.6 - 5.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.9775495552409716
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
4.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.6 - 5.1
Mazda 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 / 14Ford 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 / 14Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mazda MX-5 Miata Trim Levels
35th Anniversary Edition, Club, Grand Touring, Sport
Ford Mustang Trim Levels
Not yet available
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 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:
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
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
315 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
350 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.084 hp per pound
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
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
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
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
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
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
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
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
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:
11.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
89.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2366 lbs
Width:
68.3 inches
Height:
48.6 inches
Length:
154.1 inches
Wheelbase:
90.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3741 lbs
Width:
81.9 inches
Height:
54.8 inches
Length:
189.4 inches
Wheelbase:
107 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P195/50R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/50R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Shadow Black
Red
Molten Magenta Metallic Tri-Coat / Race Red
Blue
Grabber Blue / Vapor Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Yellow
Intense Lime Yellow
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black Onyx
Gray
Space Gray
