1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2001 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2001 Toyota Corolla is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Corolla. (87 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 200 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2001 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, 2001 Toyota Corolla (221 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2001 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
