1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2012 Kia Sorento is newer by 13 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Sorento (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Sorento weights approximately 719 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 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, 2012 Kia Sorento, 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, 2012 Kia Sorento (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Kia Sorento has automatic transmission and 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| 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 | 1744 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4671 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1709 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 68 L |
