1997 Toyota Corolla vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (145 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota Corolla | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Corolla | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2329 mm |
