1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS 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 2,231 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (150 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 520 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, 2012 Lexus IS (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Lexus IS 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 IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mazda | Lexus |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | IS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
