1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2007 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2007 Mini Cooper is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mini Cooper (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mini Cooper weights approximately 170 kg more than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1992 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 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Mini Cooper, 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, 2007 Mini Cooper (155 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (136 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2007 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2007 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
