2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Toyota 4Runner
To start off, 2012 Toyota 4Runner 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota 4Runner (270 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota 4Runner should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota 4Runner weights approximately 937 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 2012 Toyota 4Runner 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, 2012 Toyota 4Runner 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, 2012 Toyota 4Runner (376 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota 4Runner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Toyota 4Runner 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 Toyota 4Runner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Toyota 4Runner | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 4Runner |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 376 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 2053 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4823 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1925 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1816 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 87 L |
