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It’s arguably the most enjoyable convertible sports car you can drive. Stylish and aggressive, compact and nimble, and well-equipped for the price, it’s no surprise that so many people love to drive the Mazda MX-5 RF.

How does the 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF stack up with the competition? Let’s compare the Mazda MX-5 RF with another popular car in the United States, the Ford Mustang convertible. And when all is said and done, you’ll want to check out the Mazda MX-5 models currently on sale in our Barrie dealership at Moffatt’s Mazda.

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Head to Head: the 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF vs 2019 Ford Mustang Convertible

Let’s look at some of the popular categories and you can decide which vehicle, the Mazda MX-5 RF or the Ford Mustang, is the better choice.

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Horsepower Ratings

Unquestionably, the 2019 Ford Mustang EcoBoost has more horsepower. With 310 horsepower, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost convertible has a powerful engine. In comparison, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF is rated at 181 horsepower, but don’t let the number fool you. Both equipped with a manual transmission, the Ford Mustang is a full 1,212 pounds heavier than the Mazda MX-5 RF – 3,676 pounds compared to 2,464 pounds. That’s a major difference and provides comparable performance.

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Handling Comparison

With a powerful, heavy engine up front, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost convertible uses selectable-effort Electric Power-Assist Steering to help the driver maintain control. Conversely, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF employs rack-and-pinion steering with RPM-sensing variable power assist. The Mazda MX-5 RF has better steering feel at all speeds and gives the driver enhanced connection with the car.

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Weight Distribution

Nimble handling rests heavily on weight distribution. The 2019 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible’s distribution is relatively good with 54/46 front-rear weight distribution. The 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF, on the other hand, has a nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Why does it matter? Because both cars are rear-wheel drive, the best traction is achieved with weight centered between the wheels instead of forward on the body.

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Fuel Efficiency

It’s a fun car to drive, but you still don’t want to burn more fuel than necessary. There’s a chasm between the Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible and the 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF where fuel efficiency is concerned. The Mustang convertible is rated at an EPA-estimated 11.8 L/100km in the city and 8.2 L/100km on the highway. In stark comparison, the Mazda MX-5 RF is much more efficient, rated at 9.0 L/100km in the city and just 6.6 L/100km on the highway.

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Driving Dynamics

Both the Ford Mustang Convertible and the Mazda MX-5 RF are fun to drive – that’s the basic principle for owning a convertible! But it’s all the little details that make the 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF a step ahead of the competition.

A wheelbase 411mm shorter than the Mustang convertible lends itself to a better steering response and less sway. Both have independent front and rear suspension however the lighter Mazda MX-5 RF has better handling and precision steering as a result.

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The Mazda MX-5 RF stands out in a crowd. See the 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF as well as the rest of the Mazda lineup when you visit Moffatt’s Mazda in Barrie, ON.