2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Toyota Solara
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 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Solara would be higher. At 2,438 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Solara. (162 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Solara weights approximately 248 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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 Toyota Solara, 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 Toyota Solara (224 Nm) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 2002 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Solara |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2680 mm |
