1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1998 Toyota Starlet
To start off, both 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata and 1998 Toyota Starlet were released in the same year (1998). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Starlet. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 275 kg more than 1998 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Toyota Starlet, 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, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota Starlet. (101 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1998 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1410 mm |
