2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2001 Toyota RSC
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Toyota RSC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota RSC would be higher. At 4,164 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Toyota RSC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Toyota RSC (194 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Toyota RSC should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota RSC weights approximately 371 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 2001 Toyota RSC is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Toyota RSC 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, 2001 Toyota RSC (284 Nm) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm). This means 2001 Toyota RSC 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 | 2001 Toyota RSC | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | RSC |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 4164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 284 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1396 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |
