1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2003 Mini One
To start off, 2003 Mini One is newer by 5 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 1,606 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mini One is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2003 Mini One. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2003 Mini One. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mini One weights approximately 15 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, 2003 Mini One, 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, 2003 Mini One (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Mini One 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 | 2003 Mini One | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | One |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
