1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2000 Saturn L
To start off, 2000 Saturn L is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Saturn L is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2000 Saturn L. (135 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2000 Saturn L. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Saturn L weights approximately 313 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Saturn L, 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, 2000 Saturn L (193 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2000 Saturn L will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2000 Saturn L | |
| Make | Mazda | Saturn |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | L |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
