1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2012 Subaru Forester is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Forester (170 HP) has 81 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Forester weights approximately 509 kg more than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Forester (236 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Subaru Forester has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Subaru Forester | |
Make | Mazda | Subaru |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Forester |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 170 HP |
Torque | 129 Nm | 236 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1474 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4559 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1781 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1674 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2616 mm |