1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster is newer by 20 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster should accelerate faster than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster weights approximately 286 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, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster, 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, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (136 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster 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 | 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Cooper Roadster |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1241 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1389 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
