2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2011 Kia Sorento is newer by 10 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Sorento (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Sorento weights approximately 51 kg more than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 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, 2011 Kia Sorento (229 Nm) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (171 Nm). This means 2011 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Kia Sorento has automatic transmission and 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sorento |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 1722 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4671 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1709 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2700 mm |
