1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2006 Subaru Impreza is newer by 8 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 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Subaru Impreza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Subaru Impreza (227 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Impreza should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Subaru Impreza weights approximately 400 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Subaru Impreza is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Impreza will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Subaru Impreza (320 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Subaru Impreza 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 | 2006 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Impreza |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
