Introduction

The Mazda Miata and the Ford Mustang Ecoboost are rarely, if ever, compared together. Mostly, because they are different cars. However, I am not writing this for a performance magazine, but to solve a different problem. I want another motorcycle. However, my wife does not like that idea. My friends who have fallen over make me cautious. So, I am thinking that maybe a fun car can solve this itch. I mean a car that I put in the garage to be a treat. I do like my 4Runner, but that is not a real driver’s SUV. It is great to get deep in the woods, but not a fun driver’s car. Great daily driver, yes, but not something you want to zip up the Beartooth Highway over to Cooke City.

Radically handsome man next to a BMW F650 Dakar motorcycle — There is a youthful version of me on a ride. I figured out how to use the self-timer. I used to carry a Canon Powershot in my pocket. My son plays with the same camera today.

I rented a Mazda RF with an automatic in March 2025. I drove around Mt Hood near Portland one night when I blew off an optional meeting. I rented 3 Mustang EcoBoosts in the last 2 years or so, which were all automatics. So, they are similar in that they are fun, but one is not more engaging than the other in terms of gear rowing. I would opt for a manual. However, with that being said, it means the playing field is equal. Both cars are equally boring, or are they?

These cars reminded me how much I just love being out on the road. I love hearing the motor. I love listening to the tires mesh with the pavement. I love the experience of learning the road and tuning into the road. I love driving. I am not sure if it is the new scenery, the driving experience, or just the freedom that the car or motorcycle brings to the experience. Honestly, I think that the car is one of the best inventions that has ever come along. Yes, it is way better than sliced bread. I don’t even need to slice my bread, so why is that a thing?

How Did I Get These Opportunities?

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit Southern Oregon. I wanted to drive around and see the area. I had a commitment at 7 PM to be back in town, and my plane is scheduled to land at noon. This gives me a 7-hour timeframe to explore. The biggest bummer is that my flight got delayed in Seattle by 2 hours. My 7-hour exploration window just went down to 5 hours. This did put a crimp on my schedule, but I still have a few hours to kill. Let’s think about the positive right.

The plane finally lands, and I book it over to the rental counter. I asked the agent if my radar lock on the redwoods is the best option. I received confirmation from him. Yes, that is a great plan! I grab the keys to a Mustang Ecoboost and head out.

I grab lunch, and then I dance through traffic on the two-lane roads. I forgot how much traffic there is in Oregon. It is not stop and go, but it is not 70ish MPH with an open road either.

Thankfully, there were a few passing zones that allowed me to get to the front of the pack. The stress of my meetings faded into the background. I am over the delayed flight. Now, it is me, the machine, and the beautiful road. I listened to the whistle of the turbo. I hear the tires make that wonderful grinding sound right before the warning squeal in the turns. I grant that the EcoBoost is not GT. It is not a Coyote motor, but for a 4-banger, it is not a terrible experience. Yes, I am in the moment.

So, What About the Mustang?

The mustang looks aggressive. Ford has done a great job of refining the Mustang, but they also kept the rebellious feel to it.

This car did not bring smiles. If I were at a light or in traffic, people would want to race me. It was annoying because I just wanted to enjoy my drive. I am not on a track, so I can’t really ring it out. I really don’t think it is very wise to race all out in traffic. So, I let the fast people claim their victory.

I also noticed that many people felt compelled to tell me that I was number 1. Only, they weren’t using their number 1 finger. Honestly, if I am going to get that kind of attention, then I want the absurd V8. The EcoBoost has power, and it is economical. But that is why I wouldn’t want it. I want a Mustang that sounds like a Mustang. I want to feel like the car is trying to kill me. I would not say that the EcoBoost is prone to murder. Yes, it is fast. Yes, it is faster than the original Fox Bodies that I am very familiar with. The Foxbodies had a very nice throaty sound! The EcoBoost just does not make the same announcement when it enters the room.

The Mustang also has some serious trunk space for a sporty car. I am pretty sure that the Mustang is mafia certified, provided that the informant didn’t eat too many Cannolis. The Miata RF could hold my carry-on bag, but it is not going to hold much more. You might be able to strategically get two bags back there, but not much more. So, the Mustang conceals a lot more luggage.

What about the Miata

This is a Mazda ND Miata RF in a parking garage.

When I think back to the Miata RF, it brings smiles. This is a car that has, unfortunately, earned the reputation of being a hairdresser’s car. I do remember driving a first-generation Miata and wondering, “Where’s the Beans?” Sorry, Wendy, yes, I am punning on your 80s ad. It was fun, but really slow. So, I never really took the Miata that seriously.

I would not say that the latest ND Miata RF is “Hold on to your hat, Bessie, because this thing’s gonna go! “ However, I would not call it slow either. Zippy would be my word for it. My butt dyno says that the EcoBoost would kill it in a straight line. So, if you want to win drag races, go Mustang and bring a smile to Carroll Shelby’s face. “See, I told you that’s not a secretary’s car!” As he playfully punches Iacocca’s shoulder in heaven.

The biggest thing that I noticed about the Miata is that if I was at a traffic light, it brought smiles and thumbs up. When I got gas, people would ask me about the car. I think the RF looks way above its pay grade. I also remember it was a challenge to get into the car at 6’ 1”. The guy at the rental place said, “How do you fit in that thing?” He said it was like watching a clown car when I got out of it and stood up. We were both laughing at that one. So, I would say the Miata equals smiles.

I remember my drive around Mt. Hood in the Miata. The car was amazing. The steering does not give as much feedback as I would like. However, I think in modern cars that ideal has gone away. Keep in mind, the best feedback I have ever felt in steering was my friend’s Lotus Elise. That car was amazing to drive! I remember turning to my friend and saying, “This car is the best cornering experience you can get without being on a sport bike.” The Miata is not that precise, but it is very good!

This car makes an old Willys Jeep or CJ5 look like a Mercedes-Benz. There are NO creature comforts. However, once the road gets a little curvy, you really don’t care. The driving experience is amazing.

The more I drove the Miata, the more I loved the car. I realized that brakes really don’t matter that much for the MX5. Once you get in the rhythm of the road, you don’t need them because the car loves to corner. When I got the feel of the car, I just turned the wheel, rolled off the throttle, and caught up to traffic. Wait for the next turnout, rinse, and repeat. If you want a driver’s car at a reasonable price, then look at the Miata.

This is one of the only pictures I snapped of the car. Honestly, it is so good to drive, you really don’t think much about pictures.

So, how do these compare?

The mustang will drive through turns. It does corner well, which surprised me considering the muscle car heritage. So, please don’t think this car sucks. It really doesn’t. The car is pretty amazing, to be honest. However, when I was going through the redwoods, I did wish I were in the Miata.

One thing that I had to get used to in the Mustang was the hood. The hood is so long I felt like I was driving a Lincoln Continental from the 70s. The Lincolns of old were so big that the passengers were in different zip codes while in the same car. Okay, the mustang is not that big. However, I had to think about where the wheels were and pay attention to the front end, especially in a parking lot.

In terms of a pure driver, I would pick the Miata. The Miata is playful. I would say snappy and playful. It is definitely not hellcat demon throw you back in the seat fast, but it is a hoot to drive. Honestly, I laughed so much I really didn’t care. Mazda somehow kept the playful feeling of the first generation while making it feel more modern. I think the car would only get better with different tires and shocks.

The Mustang looks like the guy you warn your children about. The Miata is the real sleeper. The Mustang might be the friend who bails you out of jail at 3 AM. However, the Miata is the friend who is sitting next to you, saying, “Dude, that was a totally awesome drive!”

Conclusion

You know what? Every car gets you to your destination. Each of these cars made me happy to find a route that is not a straight line. Each car made me smile. I realize that at the end of the day, I love to drive. I love finding new roads. I love cars. Cars bring us to places we cannot go on foot. Yes, you can pull off and walk a trail. You can zip home. Cars empower us to experience new things and explore new places.

These cars both left me smiling, but for me, the decision is clear. I'd buy the Miata over the EcoBoost. I would do this even in automatic form if I absolutely had to do an automatic. Yes, I'd prefer a manual transmission in either car. But the Miata's playfulness makes it a clear winner. Honestly, that automatic is not terrible. I just love rowing gears. As a garage toy, the Miata is going to scratch the motorcycle itch more than the EcoBoost. I know one car that has made my shopping list, and I am thankful to have the opportunity to spend a wonderful afternoon in the redwoods with the EcoBoost.

My final summary: the EcoBoost is a very nice friend, but not a long-term companion.

Did you ever have experience with these two cars? What was your preference and why? Leave your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for reading this. I hope you get out and have some fun today! Remember to use social media to be social!

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