1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2004 Seat Altea
To start off, 2004 Seat Altea is newer by 5 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2004 Seat Altea. (108 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2004 Seat Altea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Seat Altea weights approximately 295 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, 2004 Seat Altea, 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, 2004 Seat Altea (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Seat Altea 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 | 2004 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Mazda | Seat |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Altea |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
