2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 11 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), 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 680 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, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe, 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (245 Nm) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. (229 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe 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. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Mazda | Hyundai |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4685 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2700 mm |
