2001 Acura TL vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Acura TL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Acura TL would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Acura TL (226 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Acura TL weights approximately 436 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura TL, 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, 2001 Acura TL (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura TL | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Acura | Mazda |
| Model | TL | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 48 L |
