2001 Porsche 996 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 Porsche 996. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Porsche 996 would be higher. At 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Porsche 996 weights approximately 266 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 2001 Porsche 996 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Porsche 996 will offer significantly more control. 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 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Porsche 996 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Porsche | Mazda |
| Model | 996 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3596 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2329 mm |
