2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2010 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2010 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 8 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 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 693 kg more than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2010 Mazda CX-7, 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, 2010 Mazda CX-7 (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2010 Mazda CX-7 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. 2010 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2010 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 69 L |
