2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2009 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2009 Toyota Prius is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Prius. (110 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Prius weights approximately 659 kg more than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Prius, 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, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Prius. (111 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Prius. 2009 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2009 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Prius |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
