1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2009 Toyota 4Runner
To start off, 2009 Toyota 4Runner is newer by 11 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota 4Runner (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota 4Runner should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota 4Runner weights approximately 327 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Toyota 4Runner (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota 4Runner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2009 Toyota 4Runner has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota 4Runner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2009 Toyota 4Runner | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 4Runner |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1352 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 87 L |
