2001 Lexus SC vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lexus SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lexus SC would be higher. At 4,293 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lexus SC (300 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lexus SC weights approximately 592 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Lexus SC (441 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2001 Lexus SC has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Lexus SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lexus SC | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lexus | Mazda |
| Model | SC | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 441 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1742 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 50 L |
