2002 Mitsubishi Diamante vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante (202 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (165 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante weights approximately 378 kg more than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 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 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante, 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 Mitsubishi Diamante (313 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
| Model | Diamante | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 313 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2330 mm |
