2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1997 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Skoda Octavia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Skoda Octavia would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Skoda Octavia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Skoda Octavia (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Skoda Octavia should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 184 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Skoda Octavia, 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, 1997 Skoda Octavia (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Skoda Octavia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1997 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Mazda | Skoda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Octavia |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
