1998 Jaguar XKR vs. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Jaguar XKR is newer by 1 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jaguar XKR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jaguar XKR (370 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 281 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jaguar XKR should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jaguar XKR weights approximately 757 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Jaguar XKR (541 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 412 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Jaguar XKR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1998 Jaguar XKR has automatic transmission and 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Jaguar XKR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Jaguar XKR | 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mazda |
| Model | XKR | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 370 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 541 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1722 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2270 mm |
