2002 Lexus IS vs. 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2002 Lexus IS is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lexus IS weights approximately 585 kg more than 1992 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, 2002 Lexus IS (296 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (136 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2002 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Lexus IS | 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Lexus | Mazda |
Model | IS | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 2002 | 1992 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2999 cc | 1596 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 201 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 296 Nm | 136 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.6 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 955 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 50 L |