2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2011 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 9 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 3,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Tacoma (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 49 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 2011 Toyota Tacoma is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Tacoma will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Toyota Tacoma 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. 2011 Toyota Tacoma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3250 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 79 L |
