2003 Daihatsu Altis vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Daihatsu Altis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Daihatsu Altis would be higher. At 2,362 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Daihatsu Altis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Daihatsu Altis. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2003 Daihatsu Altis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Daihatsu Altis weights approximately 250 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Daihatsu Altis, 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, 2003 Daihatsu Altis (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Daihatsu Altis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2003 Daihatsu Altis has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Daihatsu Altis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Daihatsu Altis | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mazda |
| Model | Altis | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Engine Size | 2362 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2340 mm |
