2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XJ is newer by 9 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jaguar XJ (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 358 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 936 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Jaguar XJ (574 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 450 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Jaguar XJ 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. 2012 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Mazda | Jaguar |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | XJ |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1961 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3157 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 82 L |
