1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Toyota Yaris
To start off, 2005 Toyota Yaris is newer by 7 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 1,498 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 48 more horse power than 2005 Toyota Yaris. (64 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota Yaris. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 110 kg more than 2005 Toyota Yaris. 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, 2005 Toyota Yaris, 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 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Toyota Yaris. (90 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Toyota Yaris.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2005 Toyota Yaris | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Yaris |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
