2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Hyundai Tucson
To start off, 2011 Hyundai Tucson is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Hyundai Tucson is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Hyundai Tucson (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Hyundai Tucson 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 332 kg more than 2011 Hyundai Tucson.
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, 2011 Hyundai Tucson, 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, 2011 Hyundai Tucson (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Hyundai Tucson will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Hyundai Tucson 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. 2011 Hyundai Tucson will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Hyundai Tucson | |
| Make | Mazda | Hyundai |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Tucson |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1837 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1453 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
