2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2004 Seat Altea
To start off, 2004 Seat Altea is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2004 Seat Altea. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2004 Seat Altea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Seat Altea weights approximately 265 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2004 Seat Altea, 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, 2004 Seat Altea (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Seat Altea 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 | 2004 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Mazda | Seat |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Altea |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
