1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Lexus GX
To start off, 2012 Lexus GX is newer by 14 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lexus GX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus GX (301 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus GX should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus GX weights approximately 1381 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 2012 Lexus GX 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, 2012 Lexus GX 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, 2012 Lexus GX (446 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 322 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus GX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Lexus GX 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. 2012 Lexus GX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Lexus GX | |
| Make | Mazda | Lexus |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | GX |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 446 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 2406 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4806 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1885 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 87 L |
