2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2007 Seat Altea
To start off, 2007 Seat Altea is newer by 4 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Seat Altea (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Seat Altea weights approximately 390 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, 2007 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, 2007 Seat Altea (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2007 Seat Altea 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. 2007 Seat Altea will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2007 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Mazda | Seat |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Altea |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
