1998 Dodge Durango vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Dodge Durango. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Dodge Durango would be higher. At 4,702 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Durango is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Durango (232 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (159 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Durango should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Durango weights approximately 805 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Dodge Durango is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Durango 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, 1998 Dodge Durango (399 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Dodge Durango will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1998 Dodge Durango has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Dodge Durango will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Durango | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Durango | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4702 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1975 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2340 mm |
