1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2008 Toyota Yaris
To start off, 2008 Toyota Yaris is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Yaris (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Yaris should accelerate faster than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Yaris weights approximately 366 kg more than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 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 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Yaris, 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, 2008 Toyota Yaris (140 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Yaris will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2008 Toyota Yaris | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Yaris |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2470 mm |
