2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Holden Vectra
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Holden Vectra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Holden Vectra would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Holden Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Holden Vectra (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Holden Vectra should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 255 kg more than 2002 Holden Vectra.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Holden Vectra, 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, 2002 Holden Vectra (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Holden Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2002 Holden Vectra has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Holden Vectra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 Holden Vectra | |
| Make | Mazda | Holden |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Vectra |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1837 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
