2002 Lexus SC vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lexus SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lexus SC would be higher. At 4,298 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lexus SC (312 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (159 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lexus SC weights approximately 660 kg more than 2006 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 SC (447 Nm) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm). This means 2002 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2002 Lexus SC has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Lexus SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lexus SC | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lexus | Mazda |
| Model | SC | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4298 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 312 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.4 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2340 mm |
