2002 Lexus SC vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 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 4,291 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lexus SC (278 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lexus SC weights approximately 601 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.
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 @ 3500 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2002 Lexus SC has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Lexus | Mazda |
Model | SC | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4291 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 278 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 447 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1139 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2329 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 48 L |