2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota RAV4 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota RAV4 (145 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 250 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 2002 Toyota RAV4 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, 2002 Toyota RAV4 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, 2002 Toyota RAV4 (200 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2002 Toyota RAV4 has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 57 L |
