2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2008 Toyota Yaris
To start off, 2008 Toyota Yaris is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 1,838 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (148 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2008 Toyota Yaris. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota Yaris. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Yaris weights approximately 250 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Because 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Yaris, 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, 2003 Mazda Roadster (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota Yaris. (140 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota Yaris. 2003 Mazda Roadster has automatic transmission and 2008 Toyota Yaris has manual transmission. 2008 Toyota Yaris will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 2008 Toyota Yaris | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | Roadster | Yaris |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1838 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 42 L |
