2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2003 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,837 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Corolla. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 775 kg more than 2003 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Toyota Corolla, 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Corolla. (127 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Corolla. 2003 Toyota Corolla 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. 2003 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2003 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1837 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
