2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Mazda 6
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 6. (118 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 6 weights approximately 420 kg more than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2001 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 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6, 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, 2002 Mazda 6 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 6 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 64 L |
