1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2002 Toyota Corolla is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,830 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Corolla (127 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 115 kg more than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 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 (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 Toyota Corolla | |
Make | Mazda | Toyota |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Corolla |
Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1830 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 127 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 129 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 79 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 91.5 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1080 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2610 mm |