1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2002 Toyota Corolla is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 300 kg more than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Corolla, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2002 Toyota Corolla (220 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
