1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Mazda Tribute
To start off, 2005 Mazda Tribute is newer by 6 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda Tribute is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda Tribute (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda Tribute weights approximately 400 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mazda Tribute is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mazda Tribute 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, 2005 Mazda Tribute (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda Tribute 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 | 2005 Mazda Tribute | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Tribute |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
