Cut Price Convertible Contest: Mazda Miata Vs. Ford Mustang V6

From the outside it may appear that these two convertibles have nothing in common. One is a roadster and one is a four seat grand tourer. (To call the V6 Mustang a muscle car is almost akin to calling the Mustang II a muscle car.) But peruse the streets of everyday America and these are the two most common convertibles to be seen on our roads. They represent freedom, each in their own unique way, and we are a better country for having known them.

While basic model Mustang Convertibles can date back to the mid 1960's the Miata was launched in 1990 to world acclaim as a cut price alternative to unreliable British sporting roadsters. Whereas MGs and Dolomite Sprites and Triumphs are no longer seen on our road due to rot and rotten electrics you can still see old Miatas puttering around with the only evidence of their age being a deteriorating plastic rear window. (New Miatas, and Mustangs for that matter, all have glass rear windows in the folding top.)

So if you are having the hankering for a bit of open air freedom which is the best bang for your hard earned American buck? Is there really a way of setting these two on a path where they really compete for the same buyer? Let's have a look at them both and see.

Ford Mustang V6

Recently emboldened with an all new interior that elevated this pony car from rent-me status, a 2010 Mustang is a very appealing showroom proposition. Available now with navigation, Sync and all sorts of leather upholstery colors: the 2010 Ford Mustang is perfect for the extrovert or the techno-freak. Where the Mustang V6 fails is in engine technology (this V6 is older than Larry King) and handling ability where the Miata simply outclasses it.

Mazda Miata

Whereas you can get a basic Miata with a soft-top for under $20,000, you will probably want to option your model up a bit to get some creature comforts and leather upholstery. But whichever way you option your Miata you still can get a silky smooth manual transmission and one of the sweetest steering roadsters on the market today. For the price, the Miata is just simply unmatched for driver enjoyment.

Who Wins?

The Miata by a fun to drive nose. If you really want a four seat convertible save your money for the Mustang GT with the V8. Then you really will have the true muscle car convertible experience. For those on a budget, however, who can't swing the Mustang GT convertible's $30 grand asking price go check out the hardware at your local Mazda dealer.